Negative Energy Balance Flashcards
How much energy does a cow going in drying off period consume
100-120MJ
How much energy does a cow post 3 weeks after calving consume a day
300MJ
How much energy to produce 1l of milk
5MJ
How many weeks post calving is peak lactation period
6-8 weeks
Is there a physiological negative energy balance post calving
Yes. For first 3 months
Volatile Fatty acids provide _________% of ruminant energy needs
60-80
Where does the rest of energy come from besides volatile fatty acid
Fat
Which volatile fatty acid is responsible for entering the krebs cycle for energy
Propionate
Most important ketone body
BHB-B hydroxybutyrate
What does BHB level monitor
Ketosis
Risk factors for ketosis
Overly conditioned cows
What is fat cow sydrome
Overly conditioned cows consuming less dry matter in last week of pregnancy
C/S of ketosis
Anorexia
Milk drop and weight loss
Firm and hard faeces
Reduced rumen contraction
TPR normal
Main effect of ketosis in respect to production level
Lowered milk production
Lower submission and conception rate
Dx of Ketosis
BHB in blood
Acetoacetate in urine/ +++ purple
BHB in milk
NEFAS free fatty acid
What is normal level of BHB in post partum cow
IMPORTANT
1.2-1.4mmol/l
What is the best way to monitor negative energy balance in a herd
15-20 cows monthly
3-9 days post partum
More than 15% values >1.2mmol/l associated with disease incidence
When is it appropriate to measure NEFAS free fatty acids
Pre calving
What is the normal level of NEFAs in dry cows
300umol/l
Ketosis Tx
- Oral propylene glycol 300ml once a day for 5 days
- Glucose IV- Not very effective/Not recommended
- Steroids- Not recommended
What does propylene glycol do
Reduces ketone bodies in the blood, helping to reverse or prevent clinical and subclinical ketosis.
Provides an immediate energy source to meet the high demands of early lactation.
Helps improve the cow’s appetite and milk production by alleviating the energy deficit.
When is ketosis-fatty liver most likely to occur
3 weeks pre calving to 6 weeks post calving
Ketosis Prevention
Dry period management crucial
Maximise dry matter intake and reduce stress
Suggest methods to give farmer to improve transition period
- Miminum competition-no overcrowding. 80% filled should be maximum
- Seperate cows and heifers
- Hygeine
- Maximise cow comfort- Deep bedding
- No pathological condition (Lameness)
- Perfect nutrition
How to prevent ketosis with respect to nutrition
Ensure high DMI intake by having
1. Highly palatable forages,
2. Consistent delivery of the diet (same one,same time, well mixed)
3. Ensure palatable feed and water available
4. 10% left over the next day
5. Adequate level of microelements
Describe diet composition of prepartum cow
High energy
Describe diet composition of postpartum cow
High fibre
Describe conventional diet to prevent ketosis
Split dry period in 2 seperate feeding groups (40d and 20d left)
Far off- Low energy diet
Close up- High energy, similar ration to milking cows, introduce rapidly fermentable carbohydrate and concentrate
Describe ‘goldilocks’ diet to prevent ketosis
Feed low energy diet to both far off and close off prepartum group
High content of straw and fibre
Force cows to eat as much as possible
Target BCS of calving cow
3.0-3.25
Target BCS of drying off cow
3.0-3.25. No loss of BCS during dry period
Target BCS of 60DIM
2.75-3.0 There will be a dip
Ketosis prevention
Monensin-Increase propionate-producing bacteria
