In a study involving 100 high-producing cows, one-half served as controls and one-half was fed 0.25 lb. of sodium propionate daily for a period of 6 wk., starting at calving. Blood analyses and milk production showed an advantage for the propionate-fed cows in terms of higher blood sugar levels, lower blood ketones, and higher milk production. Greatest differences were observed at 3 wk. after calving, when they were highly significant in favor of the propionate-fed cows in all three measurements. At 7 wk. after calving, after the propionate had been discontinued, there were no significant differences between the two groups. During the 6-wk. feeding period, nine cows in the control group showed sufficient symptoms of ketosis to require treatment; whereas, the level of propionate was increased on two cows in the propionate-fed group because of an abnormal blood picture. © 1958, American Dairy Science Association. All rights reserved.
CITATION STYLE
Schultz, L. H. (1958). Use of Sodium Propionate in the Prevention of Ketosis in Dairy Cattle. Journal of Dairy Science, 41(1), 160–168. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(58)90879-8
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.