E165 Ketosis: The Silent Threat to Dairy Herd Success

Key Points:

1. Ketosis affects up to 40% of fresh cows, costing farmers $289 per case.

2. For a 100-cow herd, annual losses can range from $5,800 to $11,560.

3. Ketosis occurs when fresh cows can’t get enough energy from feed, forcing them to break down body fat.

4. Subclinical ketosis is often undetected but still impacts milk production and cow health.

Detection Methods:

1. Blood testing (BHB levels)

2. Milk testing through DHI services

3. Urine ketone strips

4. Activity monitoring systems

Economic Impact:

• Costs are 50% higher for older cows compared to first-calf heifers.

• Ketotic cows are 4.3 times less likely to get pregnant on first breeding.

• High-risk operations could lose up to $7,606.87 annually from ketosis-related issues.

Treatment Optio ...