An Exploration of Diagnostic Patterns For Ketosis and an Innovative Management Approach to Ketosis Treatment in Lactating Dairy Cows

This thesis was conducted to investigate the relationship between the concentrations of ketones in blood, milk, and urine during a case of ketosis; and to measure the effect of reducing milking frequency from 2 to 1 milking per day on ketosis resolution and milk production in ketotic dairy cows. A study at the University of Guelph dairy research facility measured concentrations of ketones in the blood, milk, and urine daily in fresh dairy cows and evaluated a 2 wk period of once-daily milking (ODM), in conjunction with 5 d of 300 mL propylene glycol, as a treatment for ketosis. Ketosis was detected ~2 d later using milk and urine tests, and data suggested differences in the concentrations of ketones in milk and urine relative to changes in blood. ODM cows were more likely to decrease blood BHB concentrations below 1.2 mmol/L, and produced less milk than twice-daily milked cows.