Clinical Investigation of a Dairy Herd with the Fat Cow Syndrome

Abstract

SUMMARY The fat cow syndrome in a 600-cow Holstein-Friesian herd was characterized by an increased occurrence of metabolic, infectious, digestive, and reproductive disorders precipitated by the stress of parturition. The syndrome was attributed to feed management practices that permitted excessive consumption of corn silage and brewer's grains during late lactation and the nonlactating period. The herd problem was characterized by 82% morbidity and 25% mortality during a 4-month period. Clinical signs included anorexia, depression, weakness, ketonuria, fever, marked decrease in milk production, and progressive debilitation. Ketosis developed and fetal membranes were retained in 38% and 62% of the affected cows, respectively. Affected cows had leukopenia, decreased hepatic function (as indicated by elevated ornithine carbamoyl transferase, sorbitol dehydrogenase, and sulfobromophthalein values), and decreased serum glucocorticoid content. Necropsy of 3 affected cows revealed generalized obesity, with extensive fatty metamorphosis in the liver. Histologic changes in the liver, kidney, and heart included extensive fatty infiltration.