| Antiket, a propylene glycol (propane-1,2-diol; 1,2-propanediol) in USP quality, is used primarily as a dietary feed for the prevention of ketosis or for ketosis recuperation in high-yielding cows. Antiket is also used as a synthetic source of energy because of its dust-binding effect and because of its preservative properties. Ketosis (acetonuria, acetonaemia), an economically significant metabolic disorder, usually occurs in high-yielding cows at calving time. It is caused by an imbalance between the high energy requirement at the beginning of lactation and the inadequate ability of the animal to satisfy this high energy requirement from the feed. Only some of the necessary energy can be produced by mobilizing body reserves. Not enough propionic acid, which is necessary to maintain the blood glucose level, can be produced in the rumen. Because of its glucoplastic property, Antiket supports stabilization of the glucose level in plasma. On the other hand, the plasma levels of free fatty acids and ß-hydroxybutyrate, the triglyceride concentration in the liver and the concentrations of ketone bodies such as acetone, acetaldehyde and ß-hydroxybutyrate in milk and urine are reduced. The energy balance in early lactation is improved. The antiketogenic effect of Antiket reduces the risk of a clinical or subclinical ketosis and the accompanying risks to the health and performance of the animals. The metabolism-stabilizing effect of Antiket can also be used for ketosis recuperation. Another important application is as a synthetic source of energy in energy-rich mixed feed rations for fattening pigs and chickens. In the production of mineral feeds and floury mixed feeds, Antiket has a strong dust-suppressing effect, so that, when feeding such products, irritation of the mucous membrane is avoided and acceptance of the feed is increased. It has also proved useful for several decades as a preservative in wet dog feeds.Information provided by Lanxess. |
