If you care about dairy cows, you need to know about a hidden metabolic problem that hits them right after they give birth. This review found that subclinical ketosis—a condition where cows break down fat too quickly and their energy balance goes off track—is highly prevalent during early lactation.
The review linked this condition to serious problems: impaired immune function, increased risk of postpartum disorders, reduced milk yield, and compromised reproductive performance. It explored how hormones regulate fat mobilization, how the liver adapts metabolically, and how the immune system responds during this stressful period.
The review also looked at diagnostic approaches and the economic consequences for herds. It emphasized biomarkers, emerging technologies, and precision nutrition for monitoring. However, this is a systematic review, so it doesn't report primary trial data, sample sizes, or specific effect sizes for any interventions. The findings show associations, not proven causes, and the evidence is a consolidated overview rather than new experimental results.