Ketosis Concepts

Question 1

what is the fancy name for and definition of ketosis?

Answer 1

hyperketonemia: elevated concentration of ketone bodies (acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate) in blood, serum, or plasma (and therefore urine)

Question 2

which ketone body is most commonly elevated during ketosis but NOT detected on the average urine strip?

Answer 2

beta-hydroxybutyrate

Question 3

define ketonemia

Answer 3

implies fat being metabolized to provide an energy source, some is okay and adaptive but too much is bad

Question 4

describe the pathophysiology of ketosis (6)

Answer 4

1. feed intake does not meet energy demand
2. insufficient ruminal production of proprionic acid (glucose precursor)
3. not enough glucose, so animal becomes hypoglycemic
4. low blood sugar causes animal to metabolize fatty acids and glycerol supplies
5. fatty acids and glycerol are oxidized to form acetyl-coA
6. with low energy, acetyl-coA is converted to ketone bodies that accumulate in milk and are excreted in urine, leading to a state of ketosis where the liver cannot cope with the lack of energy

Question 5

what is the best thing to do for a pregnant animal experiencing ketosis?

Answer 5

get the dang parasites out

Question 6

when are goat babies viable?

Answer 6

137 day, BARE MINIMUM