Ketone Bodies in Milk and Blood of Dairy Cows: Relationship between Concentrations and Utilization for Detection of Subclinical Ketosis

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the concentrations of the different ketone bodies in milk and blood and to evaluate these concentrations for the detection of subclinical ketosis. A total of 60 multiparous cows were used. Concentrations of acetone, acetoacetate, and beta-hydroxybutyrate were analyzed quantitatively in blood and milk, and the Ketolac strip test was used for semiquantitative determination of beta-hydroxybutyrate in milk. Cows were defined subclinically ketotic when their concentration of blood beta-hydroxybutyrate was over 1200 micromol/L. High correlation coefficients were observed between blood acetone and blood acetoacetate, and between blood and milk acetone. On the contrary, concentrations of milk and blood beta-hydroxybutyrate were poorly correlated with the other concentrations of ketone bodies. The Ketolac strip test overestimated the concentrations of beta-hydroxybutyrate in milk. For the detection of subclinical ketosis, the best sensitivity-specificity combination was obtained with the determination of acetoacetate in blood or milk, with threshold concentrations of 125 and 50 micromol/L, respectively. Determination of beta-hydroxybutyrate in the milk via an enzymatic analysis or via the Ketolac strip test provided valuable results, with threshold concentrations of 70 and 100 micromol/L, respectively. The simplicity of use of the Ketolac strip test makes it a valuable way to investigate subclinical ketosis.

Subklinik Ketosisli Süt İneklerinde Farklı Dozlarda Butafosfan ve Siyanokobalamin Kombinasyonunun Etkisinin Değerlendirilmesi

“…Plasma BHBA greater than 1.2 mmol/L is considered ketosis [2] . However, definition of SCK is not consistent.…”

Organic dairy production based on rapeseed, rapeseed cake or cereals as supplement to silagead libitum

“…In the present experiment, the concentration of metabolites measured in plasma and milk was found to be within the normal physiological range (Enjalbert et al, 2001) indicating that none of the treatments resulted in excessive negative energy balance during the first 12 weeks of lactation. Cows offered only 1 kg rapeseed cake were expected to increase mobilisation to meet the physiological needs.…”

“…This may increase the degree of negative energy balance immediately after calving (Dhiman et al, 1995) and result in an increased non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and a decreased glucose concentration in plasma. It follows that hepatic ketogenesis increases (Kronfeld, 1982), and subsequently the concentration of ketone bodies in plasma and milk increases (Kunz et al, 1985), which is a risk factor for ketosis (Enjalbert et al, 2001).…”

Rumen degradability and whole tract digestibility of flavonolignans from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) fruit expeller in dairy cows

“…A positive effect of milk thistle fruits on plasma ketones and β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) level in ketotic cows was reported by Vojtíšek et al (1991). As suggested by Enjalbert et al (2001), it was possible to expect changes in plasma BHB when the cows experienced negative energy balance, fatty liver or ketosis. Plasma BHB levels ranging from 1.2 mmol/l (Enjalbert et al, 2001) to 1.4 mmol/l (Geishauser et al, 2000) were used to define subclinical ketosis.…”

“…As suggested by Enjalbert et al (2001), it was possible to expect changes in plasma BHB when the cows experienced negative energy balance, fatty liver or ketosis. Plasma BHB levels ranging from 1.2 mmol/l (Enjalbert et al, 2001) to 1.4 mmol/l (Geishauser et al, 2000) were used to define subclinical ketosis. As evident from our results (BHB values being 0.49 and 0.59 mmol/l in period Pr and B, respectively), the cows in our experiment were not in a risk of ketosis.…”