Negative Energy Balance

Question 1

What conditions does NEB cause?

Answer 1

Ketosis

Fat mobilisation syndrome

Question 2

Which molecules play a role in NEB?

Answer 2

Glucose
C3-molecules
Vitamins
Co-enzymes

Question 3

Which processes play a role in NEB?

Answer 3

Krebs cycle

Glucoenogenesis

Question 4

Why isn’t glucose often available in cows? What do they rely on instead?

Answer 4

Microbes in the rumen use up glucose in resp so they rely on C3 molecules

Question 5

When do cows become insufficient in glucose? What relies on glucose to function and what does a lack of glucose cause?

Answer 5

Early lactation

• Brain
• Insulin dependent oranges
• Milk yield

Lack causes gluconeogenesis and lipolysis

Question 6

How does a lack of glucose affect the Krebs cycle in the cow and what are the consequences?

Answer 6

Low glucose –> C3 molecules used to generate glucose instead of entering Krebs cycle –> Krebs stops –> Reduction in ATP and accumulation of fats and ketones

Question 7

When does ketosis happen most commonly in the cow? What are the risk factors for developing it?

Answer 7

2-10 days post calving

• Milk fever
• Staggers
• RFM
• Lameness
• Twins

Question 8

What is the difference between primary and secondary ketosis in the cow and what are the causes of each?

Answer 8

Primary - Can’t eat enough, space, stocking density, behaviour, nutritional deficiency
Secondary - Won’t eat enough, L/RDA, metritis, lameness, mastitis

Question 9

What are the two clinical presentations of ketosis in cows?

Answer 9

Wasting form

Neurological form

Question 10

Outline clinical signs of ketosis in the wasting form in the cow…

Answer 10

Gradual inappetance, refusing to eat concentrates
Marked loss of body weight
Firm, dry faeces
Transient bouts of staggering

Question 11

Outline the clinical signs of ketosis in the neuro form in the cow…

Answer 11

Sudden abnormal behaviour 
Circling, wandering, head pushing, apparent blindness
Depraved appetite, pica, chewing
Hyperaesthesia
Uncoordinated gait

Question 12

How is ketosis treated in the cow?

Answer 12

IV dextrose 100g quickly
IV dextrose 200g slowly
Steroids (will decrease MY)
Appetite stimulants
Propylene glycol 250ml BID

Question 13

How does fatty liver syndrome appear grossly?

Answer 13

Yellow liver

Question 14

Outline the pathogenesis of fatty liver syndrome…

Answer 14

Excessive weight loss –> Fat mobilised by lipase –> NEFA are deposited in the liver

Question 15

What are the clinical signs of fatty liver syndrome?

Answer 15

Sudden decrease in BCS
Inappetence, anorexia
Recumbency 
Neurological signs
Death

Question 16

When does fatty liver occur with pregnancy toxaemia?

Answer 16

Sheep with twins
Fat cows/sheeo
Reduced feed intake

Question 17

Which cattle does pregnancy toxaemia occur most commonly in? What can be a major risk factor involved?

Answer 17

Beef and autumn calving

Internal parasitism which drains body resources

Question 18

What are the clinical signs of pregnancy toxaemia in cattle?

Answer 18

Agitation
Incoordinated
Recumbency
Scant faeces
\+/- depression

Question 19

What are the clinical signs of pregnancy toxaemia in sheep?

Answer 19

Seperation from the flock, apparent blindness
Constipation
Bruxism
Transient drowsiness, stargazing, incoordination
Recumbency, depression, coma

Question 20

How is fatty liver syndrome and pregnancy toxaemia diagnosed?

Answer 20

Blood - High NEFA, low glucose, low liver enzymes
Milk - High fat, low protein
High fat on liver biopsy

Question 21

How is fatty liver syndrome and pregnancy toxaemia treated in cattle?

Answer 21

IV dextrose, IVFT
Steroids
Propylene glycol
High quality feed
Response is usually, however, poor.

Question 22

How is fatty liver syndrome and pregnancy toxaemia treated in sheep?

Answer 22

Drench ev 4-8H with rehydration solution
+/- induce parturition, caesar
Supplementary feed
Propylene glycol

Question 23

How are fatty liver syndrome and pregnancy toxaemia prevented in cattle?

Answer 23

Ideal BCS at calving
Reduce concurrent disease
Early lactation cows should be fed an energy dense ration to prevent rumen acidosis
Good quality forage, maize silage
Force fat cows to walk for feed/water

Question 24

How are fatty liver syndrome and pregnancy toxaemia prevented in sheep?

Answer 24

Ideal BCS at lambing
Twins/triplets feed supplementary
Shelter/supplemenary hay/silage for ewes in poor weather
Planning husbandry to reduce stress.