Oxidation of these compounds leads to production of ketones. Use of glucocorticoids and glucose precursors have also shown to be beneficial. For prevention, don't encourage fat deposition by feeding excessive energy during the dry period but begin increasing E levels as parturition nears. Urolithiasis Stone formation in the urinary tract is common problem for many animals. I will only briefly address this topic with regard to large animals in this section.
Many stones require a matrix, often protein, upon which minerals become deposited.
They are an important source of urinary stones in man and can sometimes cause problems in large animals. In this region, range forages contain high levels of silica, which probably lead to a higher incidence of these stones in the urinary tract. Urine blockage is the main concern, and is the cause of most losses. Clean water should be available at all times. Range animals in western states are mainly affected by silicious urinary calculi, as grasses in that region have a high silica content.