Evaluation of blood concentrations of Beta Hydroxybutyrate in dual purpose cattle in a farm in Balzar- Guayas- Ecuador

Abstract

Negative energy balance (NEB) is a metabolic condition where the animals' energy output exceeds their input and is characterized by the increase in ketone bodies: β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), acetone (Acc) and Acetoacetate (Ac). The objective of the study was to determine the presence of BEN in cattle of non-specialized breeds to generate information from the results that make it possible to demonstrate the incidence of this metabolic disorder and develop nutritional strategies adapted to the context of this region. The research was carried out in the Balzar canton, province of Guayas. A sample of 80 dual-purpose cows was taken; the inclusion criterion for selecting the cows was that they were in the milk production stage. A sample of 80 dual-purpose cows was taken; the inclusion criterion for selecting the cows was that they were in the milk production stage. 1 ml of blood was taken by coccygeal puncture between 8:00 am and 10:00 am, which were deposited in microtubes with sodium heparin for subsequent reading in the Free Style© Optium Neo s.f. ketone measuring machine. Of the 57 cows that were in the first third of lactation, 38 presented blood concentrations of BHBA of 0.72 ± 0.1 mmol/L indicative of BEN, 9 presented Subclinical Ketosis with blood concentrations of BHBA of 1.18 ± 0.07 mmol/L and 9 presented blood concentrations of 5.0 mmol/L considered suspicious. Of the 9 cows in the second third of lactation, they presented an average of 0.4 mmol/L of BHBA, the 14 cows in the third third of lactation, BHBA concentrations presented an average of 0.2±0.04 mmol/L. In the first third of lactation, greater increases in BHB and subclinical ketosis occur; body condition or milk production in this study did not present significant differences.