A field trial on the effects of pure sodium propionate and a combination with herbal extracts on short term development of subclinical ketosis

The results indicated a reduction of ketone bodies in all three treatment groups. Mean values in group SP never differed significantly from those of group PL regarding the observed parameters. During the first week of observation milk-acetone (MAC) concentration was reduced in all treatment groups: mean values in group SP-H were on the lowest level and differed significantly from those in group SP (p=0.035) and PL (p<0.001). The second week of observation did not reveal any significant difference between the assessed parameters. The largest reduction in BBHB concentration after two weeks showed group SP-H with a difference by trend to group SP (p=0.06), but not to group PL. There were no significant differences between the groups concerning the other recorded parameters. Compared to placebo or pure sodium propionate a combination of sodium propionate with herbal extracts seemed to have slight advantages in a four days therapy of subclinical ketotic fresh cows.