Aim: In Turkey, there have been limited studies conducted to determine the prevalance of subclinical ketosis (SCK). The aim of this study is to determine the prevalance of SCK in Holstein dairy cattles of the commercial herds in Sivas province of Turkey and to define the relationship between serum β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and the glucose, albumin, total cholesterol concentrations which exist in gluconeogenesis.

Materials and Methods: In this study, ranging in age from 3 to 6, dry period (n:40) and 1-8 weeks after birth found among the 160 head of Holstein cows were used. Blood samples were collected from animals which had been subject to systematically clinical examination. In detecting the cows with SCK, the threshold value was BHB levels ˃1.0 mmol/L. Serum glucose, albumin and total cholesterol levels of all cows were determined.

Results: In Holstein cows of Sivas region the prevalance of subclinical ketosis is determined as 12%. It was seen that in those cows with SCK, blood BHB levels were higher during the early lactation and there was a negative correlation between blood glucose and total cholesterol level.

Conclusions: Commercial which are high yielding dairy cows, high BHB levels are periodically determined, in order to take necessary precautions will be useful.