Metabolic disorders in Ruminant, Ketosis, Ketonemia ,Woody cow syndrome

Ketosis develops when:

1.    Energy intake < energy demand in early lactation.

2.    The cow mobilizes stored fat → increased non‑esterified fatty acids (NEFAs).

3.    The liver incompletely oxidizes NEFAs → ketone body accumulation.

Predisposing factors:

• High milk-producing cows
• Overconditioned cows at calving (Body Condition Score > 3.75)
• Poor-quality or low-energy rations
• Stress, overcrowding
• Sudden feed changes