Prevalence and alterations in metabolic indices and cowside test in subclinical ketosis of prepartum transition dairy cows

Subclinical ketosis is the overproduction of ketone bodies in the blood that causes decreased milk production and reproductive effectiveness without exhibiting any overt clinical signs of ketosis during the transition period of dairy cows. Therefore, the study was conducted to find the alterations of metabolic parameters and the usefulness of cow side tests in the early detection of subclinical ketosis in prepartum itself so that the occurrence of clinical ketosis can be prevented. The prevalence of subclinical ketosis in prepartum was 16.66 percent (36/216) among prepartum dairy cows. Cow side test revealed an increase in BHBA level, a decrease in glucose value, and the presence of ketonuria compared with the respective days of a control group. A significant increase in the concentration of serum metabolites such as non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and beta hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), along with increased body condition score, decreased reticulo-rumen mortality and rumen fill score and reduced rumen protozoa score were recorded. The serum biochemical changes recorded were a decrease in serum glucose, triglyceride, cholesterol direct bilirubin, calcium, and phosphorous and an increase in BUN, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST). An elevation of acute phase protein Haptaglobin was also recorded in subclinical ketosis cows. This levels can be used as risk indicators to predict the occurrence of subclinical ketosis in prepartum transition cows.

⓿ Subclinical ketosis is more prevalent in Cross bred HF cows of fifth calving during winter months.

⓿ Alterations in biochemico-metabolic profile documented in prenatal cows with subclinical ketosis.

⓿ Urine Ketometer and BHBA levels in ELISA detection of SCK in cows.