The three week period before and after calving in dairy cows is defined as the transition period. During this period, the need for energy increases. If the increased energy requirement in animals cannot be met for optimum milk production, a negative energy balance occurs. Since the animal cannot provide energy, it uses fat of body reserves. However, since the fatty acids released at this stage cannot be fully utilised, ketone bodies form in the body. Due to the increased ketone bodies and fat accumulation in the liver, diseases such as ketosis and fatty liver syndrome occur.These diseases trigger other diseases and negatively affect animal production. During this period, various additives are used for energy needs. Propylene glycol, one of these, is metabolised in the animal body and used in hepatic gluconeogenesis for energy needs. In this review (Yem Magazine 91 pp.50-55), the effects of propylene glycol on various metabolic diseases and blood parameters in dairy cows are summarised.
展开▼
