Ketosis in Sheep and Goats

Ketosis is a metabolic disease that occurs due to issues with the nutrition of animals. It is the most common metabolic disease in small ruminants (sheep and goats). It primarily affects highly productive animals and those carrying multiple embryos (more than 2) and, less frequently, a single large embryo. It usually appears in the fourth month of pregnancy, focusing on the late stages. Both fragile animals and overweight animals that are not adequately fed during their pregnancy are susceptible to developing the disease. Various factors that induce stress, as well as internal parasites, parasitic infections, and sudden changes in nutrition, can lead to the development of the disease.

What is the cause of Ketosis ?

The mother experiences increased nutritional needs due to the growing size of the embryos, as she now shares a significant portion of the nutrients consumed with the embryo. The increasing size of the embryos limits the capacity of the large stomach, and therefore, the mother takes in smaller amounts of food. Hormonal changes in the pregnant body also include a decrease in insulin in the blood, resulting in reduced glucose production necessary for the proper functioning of the body.

The progression of symptoms in animals

Due to increased nutritional needs towards the end of pregnancy and in cases where they are provided with low-nutrient feed, animals are forced to use the fat stored in their bodies (fat mobilization). During this process, certain toxins are produced within the body, entering the bloodstream. These substances are called ketone bodies and can be found in high levels in the animal’s blood and urine. At the same time, the animal experiences hypoglycemia, meaning a combination of hypoglycemia and hyperketonemia.

Farmers will notice the disease when animals start to exhibit symptoms like anorexia, lethargy, and nervousness. Initially, animals avoid concentrated feeds (mixes), and later, they also avoid roughage and grazing.

In the final stage of the disease, usually 3 to 4 days after the onset of symptoms, animals become too weak to stand, and if no effort is made to treat them at this point, they may die within 2 to 4 days.

Prevention

A balanced diet suitable for the pregnancy needs of goats and sheep is usually sufficient to reduce the chances of the disease occurring in the herd. However, if the disease is common in the herd, it would be a good idea to provide a small amount of propionic sodium (about 20 grams per animal per day for about a month before and a month after giving birth) in the feed mix. The levels of ketones and glucose in the blood, as well as ketone bodies in the urine, can be determined individually in each animal. For this reason, a preventive examination of the herd could reduce the occurrence of the disease in the herd.

When a producer knows that the disease is present in the herd, immediate actions include increasing the amount of and improving the quality of feed for pregnant animals (initially, ensure the coverage of energy needs), identifying animals with the most severe problems and providing them with propylene glycol or glycerol solution by mouth (about 60 ml twice a day, daily) or even molasses. Also, ensure that animals consume adequate amounts of food.

As is evident, the treatment of the disease is extremely difficult and time-consuming, while the cost of losing high-yield sheep and goats is enormous. For this reason, proper monitoring of the herd, preventive blood/urine tests during pregnancy, proper herd management, and adjustment of nutrition are recommended as preventive measures against the disease.