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What Is Ketosis in Dairy Cows? (How to Recognise & Reduce the Risk)
What is Ketosis?
Ketosis is a metabolic disorder that affects cows—mainly in the first two months after calving—when their bodies burn too much fat for energy, leading to a build-up of ketones in the blood. Overweight cows and those with high milk yields are most at risk.
What Are the Signs of Ketosis?
- Loss of appetite
- Reduced milk yield
- Sweet, acetone-like smell on breath (like pear drops)
- Weight loss
- Lethargy or dullness
- In severe cases, nervous signs or collapse
Why Does Ketosis Happen?
- Cows in early lactation need lots of energy
- If energy demand exceeds intake, the cow burns fat stores
- Excessive fat breakdown leads to high ketone levels, which are toxic in large amounts
- Over-conditioned (fat) cows are more likely to develop ketosis
How Can You Prevent Ketosis?
- Manage cow body condition—avoid cows becoming too fat before calving
- Feed a balanced, energy-rich diet—see our cattle feed and supplements
- Monitor cows closely in early lactation
- Provide good-quality forage and ensure cows are not stressed
What Should You Do If You Suspect Ketosis?
- Call your vet for diagnosis and treatment
- Review feeding and management routines
- Make sure the cow is comfortable, ideally on clean animal bedding
- Prevent further stress and monitor for improvement
FAQs
Is ketosis only a problem for high-yielding cows?
It’s most common in high-yielding and overweight cows, but any cow in negative energy balance can be affected.
It’s most common in high-yielding and overweight cows, but any cow in negative energy balance can be affected.
Can ketosis be prevented with diet alone?
Diet is key, but body condition and stress management are also important.
Diet is key, but body condition and stress management are also important.
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