B9

Question 1

What is ketone bodies?

Answer 1

They are formed because the pyruvate is converted into Acetyl-CoA, instead of Volatile fatty acids. So they are formed when the cow is in a Negative Energy balance

Question 2

If ketone bodies are present in the milk, what does it mean?

Answer 2

The cow is in a severe energy deficiency

Question 3

Name the three most important ketone bodies and the threshold values

Answer 3

1. Beta-hydroxybutyrate: more than 1 mmol/l
2. Acetoacetate: 0.4 mmol/L
3. Acetone: more than 0.7 mmol/L

Question 4

What is the ketonuric index?

Answer 4

Made by 2 Hungarians

A practical indicator to evaluate the energy balance of dairy cows, and is based on the number of crosses

Question 5

Which test can be used to measure ketone body level, and what does the results indicate?

Answer 5

Rothera test, it turns purple in milk.

If the colour change to purple is immediate: the result is 5 crosses

If there are no ketone bodies in the urea: the result is 0 crosses

Question 6

How will you calculate the urea?

Answer 6

We add the crosses found in the test and multiply by 10.

So if we find 3 crosses: 3x10

We also add the number of days since/until calving.
If before calving, it is added from the crosses
After calving: it is subtracted to the crosses

Example:
E.g.: 3 crosses
5 days before calving: (3 x 10) + (2 x 5)
5 days after calving: (3 x 10) - (2 x 5)

Question 7

What is the value we start treating for ketosis?

Answer 7

Above 20-25

Question 8

If the values are btw 0-19:

Answer 8

ketonuria easily recovered, generally no consequences

Question 9

If the values are btw 20-29:

Answer 9

medium degree dangerous ketonuria, herds energy balance must be improved

Question 10

If the values are btw 30-39:

Answer 10

increased degree of danger

Question 11

If the values are over 40:

Answer 11

extremely dangerous and life threatening