Efficacy of a combination butaphosphan-cyanocobalamin product and insulin for the treatment of ketosis in lactating dairy cattle

Abstract

In the early postpartum period, negative energy balance is nearly ubiquitous in dairy cattle. During this period, excessive ketones, generally measured as β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), are associated with lower milk production, increased risk of concurrent diseases, and decreased reproductive performance. Insulin has been recommended for the treatment of ketosis because of its anabolic effects. It has been hypothesized that administration of vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) may increase gluconeogenesis by increasing the activity of methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, a vitamin Bl2-dependent enzyme and important component of the Krebs or tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Recent studies have shown that a combination butaphosphan-cyanocobalamin product (B+C; Catosal®, Bayer Animal Health) is efficacious for the prevention of ketosis when it is administered at calving. However, neither of these medications has been studied for efficacy in the treatment of ketosis in North American dairy cattle under commercial conditions. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of a butaphosphan-cyanocobalamin combination product and insulin on ketosis cure rates and BHBA concentrations.