Ketosis in Dairy Cows & Buffaloes

What is ketosis?

Ketosis, sometimes called acetonaemia, is a metabolic disease of dairy animals. After calving, milk production climbs quickly, and the cow or buffalo often cannot eat enough to meet her energy needs. The body then breaks down its own fat. When fat comes out faster than the liver can handle, ketones build up in the blood. Ketones are acid by-products of fat, and the main one is beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB).

Ketosis is most common in the first weeks after calving, in high-yielding animals and in animals that were too fat at calving. It often appears with other problems around calving, such as milk fever, a retained afterbirth, uterine infection or a displaced stomach, and any illness that cuts appetite can trigger it. Many animals have raised ketones without clear signs. This is called subclinical ketosis, and it can still lower milk yield and fertility.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• A drop in milk soon after calving
• Eating less, often refusing concentrate first
• Fast loss of body condition
• Dullness and hard, dry dung
• A sweet, nail-polish smell on the breath or in the milk

Not every animal shows every sign. Some develop nervous ketosis and may lick objects, chew constantly, walk in circles, stagger or turn aggressive.

Which lab tests help

Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) - Blood Ketones measures BHB in blood and is the reference test for ketosis. The Milk BHB (Ketosis) Test is a simpler screen on fresh milk. The lab report shows the reference range, and your vet decides what a result means for that animal.

NEFA (Non-Esterified Fatty Acids) shows how much body fat is being broken down. It is most useful in the weeks before calving, while BHB is most useful after calving. Glucose Random (RBS) is often low in ketosis, and a Urine Routine can show ketones in urine. For a herd, the Dairy Cow Metabolic Profile typically groups minerals, glucose, ketones, protein and liver tests; the exact list is confirmed when you book. Testing a group of animals around calving can show whether ketosis is a herd problem.

A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with the animal's signs and history. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.

When to see your vet

See your vet promptly if a fresh cow or buffalo eats less, drops in milk or loses condition. Nervous signs, such as circling or aggression, need a vet the same day. Your vet will also look for any illness that may have started the ketosis. Ask your vet about prevention for animals close to calving.

Testing in Bhopal

Sample collection is free anywhere in Bhopal, and Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal. Dairy farmers in other districts can send samples by courier, by bus parcel or through their local vet, and the lab coordinates by phone or WhatsApp on +91 88175 01118. Reports are shared on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.