Metabolic Disease in Animals: Definition, Types, and Key Characteristics

Definition:
Metabolic Diseases are those diseases which occur due to deficiency, imbalance of nutrients, or disturbance of metabolism in the body. These diseases are especially related to milk production, pregnancy, and the energy requirements of the body.

Main Features of Metabolic Disease in Dairy Cattle

• These diseases are Non-Contagious — do not spread from one animal to another.
• In most cases, these diseases are related to the production system, hence they are also called Production Diseases.
• Especially pregnant and milk-producing animals (like cow and buffalo) are more susceptible to these diseases.
• The possibility of metabolic diseases increases with increasing milk production.
• In native cows (Zebu cattle), the highest possibility of metabolic disease is found in the third calving.
• In exotic cows (Exotic Cattle), this possibility is highest in the fifth calving.
• In buffaloes, the possibility of metabolic diseases is mostly in the fourth calving.
• The order of possibility of metabolic diseases is as follows:
  Exotic Cow > Native Cow > Buffalo
• The possibility of Downer Cow Syndrome, Ketosis, Postpartum Haemoglobinuria, and Mastitis disease is higher in exotic cows, especially in the Holstein-Friesian breed.
• These same diseases are found mostly in the Sahiwal breed in native cows.
• The possibility of Milk Fever is highest in Jersey cows.

Read More About : Mastitis Disease in Cattle

Major Metabolic Disease Examples: A Comprehensive List

Body Condition Scoring (BCS): Critical Management Tool for Metabolic Prevention

Body Condition Score (BCS) is a standardized method used in animal husbandry and veterinary science to assess the reserve of fat (chubbiness) in an animal’s body. It is based on a visual and tangible (checking by touch) technique that helps determine energy balance status—whether the animal has an energy deficiency or surplus.

BCS Scaling Systems: 1-5 vs. 1-9 Point Scales

The agricultural industry primarily utilizes two scaling systems:

5-Point Scale (common for sheep, goats, horses):

• Simpler system with 0.5 increments
• Scores range from 1 (very thin) to 5 (obese)
• Ideal score: 3-3.5

9-Point Scale (preferred for dairy cattle):

• More detailed and sensitive to subtle changes
• Scores range from 1 (emaciated) to 9 (extremely obese)
• Ideal score: 5-7.

Practical BCS Assessment: Key Anatomical Points

Effective BCS evaluation requires inspection and palpation of specific anatomical regions:

1. Backbone/Spine: Check for prominence and fat covering
2. Ribs: Assess how easily they can be felt
3. Hip Bones (Hooks and Pins): Evaluate fat coverage
4. Tailhead: Examine fat deposition patterns
5. Shoulder and Neck: Check for fat accumulation
6. Hump (Zebu Cattle): Specific indicator for indigenous breeds

For Zebu cattle (like Sahiwal, Gir, Tharparkar), the hump serves as a crucial indicator of energy reserves. Assessment includes:

• Size and Fullness: How developed and filled the hump appears
• Texture and Firmness: Whether it feels firm (muscular) or soft (fatty)

The Critical Connection: BCS and Metabolic Disease Risk

Body Condition Scoring isn’t just about weight management—it’s a powerful predictive tool for metabolic health. Research shows that maintaining optimal BCS (5-7 on 9-point scale) significantly reduces the risk of metabolic disorders.

Calving-Specific BCS Recommendations

• Native Cows (Zebu): Highest metabolic risk during 3rd calving
• Exotic Cattle: Peak vulnerability during 5th calving
• Buffaloes: Maximum susceptibility during 4th calving

Breed-Specific Susceptibility to Metabolic Disorders

• Holstein-Friesian: Highest risk for Downer Cow Syndrome, Ketosis, PPH
• Jersey Cattle: Most susceptible to Milk Fever
• Sahiwal Cattle: Primary metabolic disorders found in native breeds
• Buffaloes: Generally more resistant than cattle breeds

Advanced Management Strategies: Preventing Metabolic Disorders

Nutritional Management Based on BCS

For Low BCS (≤4 on 9-point scale):

• Increase energy density of ration
• Incorporate high-quality concentrates
• Improve forage quality
• Consider mineral supplementation

For High BCS (≥8 on 9-point scale):

• Reduce energy density
• Increase dietary fiber (e.g., straw)
• Limit concentrate intake
• Implement controlled exercise

Monitoring and Intervention Protocols

• Regular BCS Checks: Every 2-3 weeks during transition periods
• Herds-Level Assessment: Track distribution across BCS categories
• DCAD (Dietary Cation-Anion Difference) Diet: Implement 3-4 weeks pre-calving
• Blood Parameter Monitoring: Calcium, phosphorus, magnesium levels

Diseases Covered in This Article

Explore the key metabolic diseases in cattle with quick links to each section:

1. Milk Fever – Calcium deficiency immediately after calving
2. Downer Cow Syndrome – Complications from prolonged lying after milk fever
3. Ketosis In Cattle – Energy deficiency and ketone accumulation
4. Postparturient Haemoglobinuria – Red blood cell destruction due to phosphorus deficiency
5. Grass Tetany – Muscle cramps from magnesium deficiency
6. Pregnancy Toxemia – Energy deficiency in late pregnancy
7. Neonatal Hypoglycemia – Low blood glucose in newborn calves