[The effects of glucocorticosteroids on lipolysis stimulated by fasting and liver function in cows].

During a five-day period prednisolone (200 mg/d) reduced the rise of FFA, beta-hydroxybutyrate and bilirubin concentrations in the blood plasma of three cows compared with three control animals. The liver fat content remained within the physiological range. The reduced lipolysis in the experimental group was the result of a reactive hyperinsulinaemia, a more effective energy metabolism and a diminished metabolic activity. Harmful effects on the liver function could not be observed. Plasma cortisol concentration was reduced for only a short time.