Definition: This disease is mostly observed in high-yielding dairy cows and is a latent disease that adversely affects milk yield and animal health in long periods.  It occurs as a result of feeding energy-poor feeds especially in the last weeks of the weaning period (last 2 weeks) or overfeeding at the end of the milking period.  It manifests itself with rapid weight loss and decreases in milk yield.  It is mostly formed after birth and can last up to 3 to 4 weeks.  In some cases, it can be found in the first 3 months of the milking period.  It is a disease of great economic importance because it is very difficult for animals to recover and the recovered animals cannot reach their previous yield levels during the milking period.  The most obvious finding in sick animals is the loss of appetite.  Rumination and rumen movements stop completely and constipation is often seen.  The milk of an animal that gives 20-30 kg of milk per day drops to 4-5 liters at a time.  The consistency of milk is thick and has an aromatic smell.  It can coagulate when boiled. 

Causes of occurrence:

1. In the last months of pregnancy, animals are kept tied in barns and fed with high-energy feeds (factory feeds or crushed grains),
2. Irregular protein/energy balance in the ration,
3. Weaning Feeding protein-rich, energy-poor feeds (factory feeds or grain crushers) in the last 2-3 weeks of the shearing period,
4. The ration being rich in oilseed meal and poor quality silage during pregnancy and milking periods,
5. Hunger, sudden feed changes and lack of feed such as straw (silage) in the ration,

Type of Treatment and Prevention:

For protection from disease, animals should never be overfed and fattened during pregnancy.  A veterinarian should be consulted in the treatment of the disease.  Also, in practice, half a liter of molasses or molasses can be given to animals daily.  It is recommended not to milk the animals for a while.