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KetoDuo bolus in practice
Energy shortage, “slepende melkziekte” and ketosis: different terms for the same problem. Calving demands a lot from a cow, both metabolically and hormonally. Even though good products and methods are available, energy shortage remains a common problem. But how effective are these solutions in practice? We are finding out for you.
Ketosis occurs in the first weeks after calving. In this period cows have a high energy requirement for milk production, but often not enough feed intake. As a result they break down fat reserves, which can lead to a build-up of ketones in the blood. Symptoms of ketosis are lower feed intake, sluggishness, weight loss and falling milk production. In severe cases a cow can even stop eating completely, with all the consequences that brings.
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The trial designIn autumn 2024 a trial was carried out on the effect of the KetoDuo bolus on the start of the new lactation. It looked at the BHB level (the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate) in the milk and at the risk of ketosis. Pregnancy in the following lactation was also analysed. 40 animals took part in the trial, divided into 2 groups: Control group: did not receive a KetoDuo bolus External factors were identical for both groups. |
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The results show that cows that did not receive a KetoDuo bolus had a higher risk of ketosis in the first seven days after calving, especially on days 3 and 4. This difference is also visible in the BHB level in the milk. In week 4 after calving, this level was 28% higher in the control group than in the KetoDuo group.
It was also noticeable that the animals in the KetoDuo group got pregnant 10% faster than the control group. The difference was about 3 weeks, which indicates that the animals got pregnant 1 cycle sooner than the control group.
So the KetoDuo bolus helps reduce the negative energy balance in the first weeks after calving, and it also contributes to cows getting pregnant sooner.
