Milk fever, also known as hypocalcemia, is a metabolic disorder commonly affecting dairy cows around the time of calving. This condition, characterized by low blood calcium levels, can lead to muscle weakness, reduced appetite, and even death if not promptly addressed. Prevention is key to maintaining the health and productivity of your herd. Here’s what you need to know to keep milk fever at bay.
Understanding Milk Fever
Milk fever typically occurs within 24 to 48 hours after calving when the cow’s demand for calcium spikes as she begins to produce large quantities of milk. If her body cannot mobilize sufficient calcium from her bones or absorb it quickly enough from her diet, blood calcium levels drop, leading to the symptoms of milk fever.
Common symptoms include:
- Unsteady gait or difficulty standing
- Muscle tremors or twitching
- Cold ears and dry nose
- Lethargy or unresponsiveness
- Downer cow syndrome (inability to rise)
Key Strategies for Preventing Milk Fever
Dietary Management Pre-Calving – Proper nutrition during the dry period is crucial. Feeding a low-calcium diet in the weeks leading up to calving encourages the cow’s body to start mobilizing calcium from her bones. This process helps her body adapt to the sudden increase in calcium demand post-calving.
Considerations:
- Avoid feeding high-calcium forages like alfalfa in the late dry period.
- Ensure adequate magnesium intake, as it aids in calcium absorption.
- Introduce anionic salts to the diet to create a slight metabolic acidosis, which enhances calcium mobilization.
Calcium Supplementation at Calving – Providing oral calcium supplements at the time of calving can help maintain blood calcium levels during this critical period. These supplements are available in various forms, including boluses, gels, or drenches, and should be administered according to veterinary advice.
Considerations:
- Administer the first dose of calcium at the onset of labor and a second dose 12 to 24 hours after calving.
- Monitor high-risk cows, such as older cows or those with a history of milk fever, more closely and provide additional supplementation if needed.
Monitoring and Early Intervention – Close monitoring of cows during the transition period is essential. Early detection of milk fever symptoms allows for prompt treatment, significantly reducing the risk of complications.
Considerations:
- Regularly check fresh cows for signs of hypocalcemia.
- Have intravenous calcium treatments readily available for immediate administration if symptoms appear.
- Train farm staff to recognize early signs of milk fever and to act quickly.
Post-Calving Nutrition – After calving, ensure cows receive a balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs without causing an abrupt change in their calcium status. Proper post-calving nutrition supports recovery and helps prevent secondary cases of milk fever.
Considerations:
- Provide high-quality forage and balanced rations that support lactation without overwhelming the cow’s system.
- Ensure access to fresh water and mineral supplements.
Consultation with a Territory Manager – Collaborating with your territory manager to develop a tailored prevention plan is crucial, especially if milk fever has been a recurring issue in your herd.
Preventing milk fever requires proactive management, particularly during the transition period surrounding calving. By focusing on dietary adjustments, calcium supplementation, and close monitoring, you can significantly reduce the incidence of milk fever in your herd. Prioritising prevention not only protects the health of your cows but also ensures a productive and profitable dairy operation.
For more detailed advice and tailored strategies, please contact your territory manager.