Therapeutic evaluation of glucogenic precursors in sub-clinical Ketosis in buffaloes

The study evaluates biochemical changes and treatment aspects in Sub-Clinical Ketotic (SCK) buffaloes within two months of calving. Among 247 screened buffaloes, 25 were found suffering from sub-clinical ketosis. Ten apparently healthy buffaloes (group I) with negative urinary ketone bodies and blood BHBA levels below 1.0 mmol/L served as control group (GI). Twenty buffaloes were positive for sub-clinical ketosis and presence of ketones in urine with blood BHBA levels more than 1.0 mmol/L were divided equally into two treatment groups (group II and group-III). Buffaloes of group II were treated with Calcium propionate for five days and buffered Phosphorus for two days. The mean blood BHBA (mmol/L) before treatment was 1.55±0.35 which significantly decreased to 0.66±0.21 after treatment. There was a significant (p<0.05) decrease in mean serum glucose, phosphorus and total cholesterol levels with significant increase (p<0.05) in BUN levels. However, these values turned to normal after therapy with a non-significant (p<0.05) increase in milk yield by 25.35 percent on seventh day. Urine analysis was negative for ketones. Buffaloes of group III were treated with Propylene glycol @ 200ml oral daily for five days and Inj. Butaphosphan and Cyanacobalamin once daily @ 5ml/100 kg I/m for two days. The mean blood BHBA (mmol/L) before treatment was 1.67 ± 0.44 and significantly decreased to 0.49± 0.18 after treatment. There was a significant (p<0.01) decrease in mean serum glucose, calcium and significant (p<0.10) decrease in total cholesterol levels as compared to healthy control group. Significant (p<0.01) increase in milk yield by 82.61 percent and urine analysis was negative for ketones after treatment. Concisely, the results indicate that combination of Propylene glycol and Inj. Butaphosphan and Cyanacobalamin was found to be highly effective for management of sub-clinical ketosis in buffaloes.