Abstract

Ketosis (acetonemia) is a severe metabolic disorder in dairy cattle associated with negative energy balance (NEB), occurring either independently or in association with other clinical disorders. Subclinical ketosis, characterized by elevated ketone bodies without clinical symptoms, is challenging to detect due to the impracticality of regular body fluid analysis on farms. This study aimed to establish correlations between milk components and blood β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentration, offering a non-invasive approach to predicting subclinical ketosis. Twelve crossbred cattle in their second parity from two different farms in the Wayanad district of Kerala were observed. Milk parameters were assessed on alternate days, and blood BHBA levels were measured weekly from 6 to 60 days postpartum. Statistical analysis, conducted using SPSS software (version 24.0), applied Pearson’s correlation coefficient method to ascertain the correlation between milk parameters and blood BHBA concentrations. The results demonstrated a significant negative correlation between milk parameters - specifically SNF, Protein, Lactose, and Salt- and blood BHBA levels. This relationship remained consistent in the observed population with BHBA values exceeding 1.0 mmol/L, suggesting that routine milk composition analysis may serve as a practical indicator for the early detection of subclinical ketosis in dairy cattle.

Keywords : Subclinical ketosis, Ketosis, BHBA, Negative energy balance