Experimental Alteration of the Sugar and Ketone Levels of the Blood of Ruminants in Relation to Ketosis

Abstract

A study was made of the interrelation of the sugar and ketone levels of the blood of ruminants by means of experimental alteration of each of these substances. Under the conditions of these experiments, it was not possible to produce conditions similar to field ketosis by alteration of blood sugar levels. Alloxan injection produced a typical diabetic condition, with high levels of both blood sugar and ketones. By means of insulin injections it was possible to maintain the blood sugar at low levels for periods of several days, but in no case was there any increase in blood ketones. Alteration of blood ketones by the administration of ketogenic fatty acids produced temporary changes in blood composition resembling ketosis. Blood ketones were high and blood sugar was low. Non-ketogenic fatty acids did not cause these changes. The administration of the ketone bodies themselves likewise caused no depression of blood sugar. © 1951, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.