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Interrelationships Between Milk Carnitine and Blood and Milk Components and Tissue Carnitine in Normal and Ketotic Cows¹

Animal Research Institute, Research Branch, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0C6

ABSTRACT

The carnitine concentration in milk was determined weekly for two groups of 19 cows (one group ketotic and one control) during the first 8 wk of lactation. Milk carnitine concentration was high at the start of lactation in both groups and decreased about half by the 8th wk. Carnitine concentration in milk from ketotic cows was correlated with blood glucose –.41, acetoacetate, .39, ß-hydroxybutyrate .48, free fatty acids .28 milk fat .70, protein –.47, and lactose –.51. In the control group carnitine and milk protein were the only variables with significant correlation –.28. Carnitine concentrations in tissues of dry and lactating cows did not differ with lactation or stage of lactation. One ketotic cow had skeletal muscle carnitine concentrations higher than control; however, the most pronounced difference was a threefold elevation of blood carnitine. These changes in carnitine concentration in milk and tissue are discussed in connection with knowledge of carnitine biosynthesis and turnover. Elevated carnitine excretion in milk during ketosis results from increased carnitine synthesis.

¹ Contribution No. 517 from the Animal Research Institute.

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