Ruminant E metabolism

Question 1

describe fatty liver/hepatic lipidosis

Answer 1

• occurs when rate of FA esterification to triglycerids exceeds rate of disappearance by hydrolysis
• most cattle get at calving to some extent - no clinical signs will resolve by itself
• last weeks of pregnancy appetite reduced, increases FA esterification
• parturient adrenal secretion increases peripheral adipose FA mobilisation
• TG accumulate in liver causing impaire hepatocyte function

Question 2

describe ketosis

Answer 2

• associated with some degree of fatty liver
• caused by incomplete metabolism of VFAs
• non-fatal, self-limiting
• go off milk but gradually recover

Question 3

describe the clinical signs of ketosis

Answer 3

• bar biting
• excessive salivation
• recumbency
• neurological signs

Question 4

describe fat cow syndrome

Answer 4

• similar pathogenesis as ketosis
• affects over fat dairy cows at time of calving
• inappetence more pronounced in over conditioned cows close to calving
• associated with: increased incidence of metabolic disease

Question 5

what are the clinical sings of fat cow syndrome?

Answer 5

• vague
• depression
• recumbency
• death

Question 6

what are the pathological findings of fat cow syndrome?

Answer 6

• enlarged fatty liver
• fat infiltrated kidneys
• abomasal ulcers
• necrotic hepatic tissue