Reduction of the energy demand
Since (subclinical) ketosis p.p. is caused by the lack of energy (negative energy balance) with onset of lactation, a reduction of milk production also causes a reduction in the incidence of ketosis.
Measures for reducing milk production during high lactation 16:
• Reduction of milking frequency,
• Shortening of the dry period or
• No drying-off
Supplementation of feed with conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) selectively reduces milk fat content. Since milk fat is the ingredient with the highest energy content, its reduction reduces the negative energy balance of high yielding cows 11.
Reduction of energy output with milk
Shortening dry period (≥ 30 d) only makes sense in multiparous cows
- reduces the risk of mastitis
- reduces initial yield in high lactation reduces risk of ketosis
- hardly any "net loss" of milk over the entire period of lactation
- rumen remains better adapted (no far-off feeding)
- sometimes improved fertility
Feeding of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA)
- In rumen acidosis
- Rumen-protected CLA: Milk fat content ↓
Milking frequency in high lactation ↓
- Milk yield ↓
* see also our references page
