Incidence and risk factors for ketosis in grazing dairy cattle in the Cundi-Boyacencian Andean plateau, Colombia

Ketosis is a metabolic disorder that has an important impact on health and productivity in dairy cattle during early lactation. In Colombia, the incidence and risk factors for ketosis development have not been studied. The objectives of the present study were to determine the incidence of subclinical (SCK) and clinical ketosis (CK) and to determine the risk factors associated with ketosis within the first 6 weeks of lactation in dairy cattle in Colombia. A prospective cohort study was carried out. A convenience sample of 150 lactating dairy cows from ten commercial dairy farms in the Cundi-Boyacencian Andean plateau were tested weekly using a point of care device to measure β-hydroxybutyrate during the first 6 weeks of lactation. Incidence of SCK and CK was calculated. Risk factors were evaluated using a survey for each animal and for each farm. Potential risk factors were evaluated using a X 2 test, Relative Risk was calculated for significant variables by the X 2 test ( P ≤ 0.05) and these variables were included in the logistic regression model. Cumulative incidence of SCK was 25.33%, 3.33% for CK, and overall incidence of ketosis was 26%. In the logistic regression model, parity 3 or more, herd size > 150 animals, body condition score ≥ 3, retained placenta, and metritis were determined as risk factors for ketosis. The results of this study confirm previous reports in which a high body condition score, increased parity, herd size, retained placenta, and metritis are associated with an increased risk of ketosis in stabled and grazing cattle.