15 Dairy cow – ketosis Prevalence Estimates suggest that approx. 30% of all dairy cows develop subclinical ketosis in the first two weeks after calving. Symptoms and complications The symptoms and complications of ketosis are very varied: • A smell of acetone on the breath • Reduced feed intake and milk yield • Changes in milk composition (reduced protein and increased fat content) • Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels) • Digestive problems • Neurological symptoms • Apathy • Fertility problems • Impaired immune response Even the subclinical form of ketosis carries significant risks: A fourfold increased risk of developing endometritis A 14-fold higher risk of developing clinical ketosis A sevenfold increased risk of developing mastitis An 11-fold increased risk of developing a displaced abomasum 200–400 kg less milk per lactation Twice the high risk of developing a hoof disease The presence of ketosis in an individual animal can be checked by detecting ketone bodies using test strips in urine, milk or blood. (Source: topagar 11/2012)
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