Use of Sodium Propionate in the Prevention of Ketosis in Dairy Cattle

In a study involving 100 high-producing cows, one-half served as controls and onehalf was fed 0.25 lb. of sodimn propionate daily for a period of 6 wk., starting at calving. Blood analyses and milk production showed an advantage for the propionate-fed cows in terms of higher blood sugar levels, lower blood ketones, and higher milk production. Greatest differences were observed at 3 wk. after calving, when they were highly significant in favor of the propionate-fed cows in all three measurements. At 7 wk. after calving, after the propionate had been discontinued, there were no significant differences between the two groups. During the 6-wk. feeding period, nine cows in the control group showed sufficient symptoms of ketosis to require treatment; whereas, the level of propionate was increased on two cows in the propionate-fed group because of an abnormal blood picture.