Milk fever, also known as parturient hypocalcemia or parturient paresis, is a metabolic disorder that affects dairy cows after calving. The disease occurs due to a sudden decrease in the blood calcium level, which happens within 48 hours after calving. It is caused by the failure of the cow’s body to mobilize calcium reserves and by the negative calcium balance during late pregnancy.
The main symptom of milk fever is decreased ionized calcium levels in the cow’s tissue fluids, leading to weakness, stiffness, tremors, and even recumbency in severe cases. It is most common in 5 to 10-year-old cows and can be prevented through proper nutrition and management practices. To avoid future illnesses, seek veterinarian attention as soon as milk fever is detected.
Milk Fever Management in Cattle
Causes of Milk Fever Disease in Cattle
Milk fever in cattle is caused by a sudden drop in serum calcium levels below 6.5 mg/dL of blood. It occurs when the cow’s body is unable to obtain enough calcium from its feed to meet its daily requirements, particularly during the period of lactation when calcium is drained from the body in large quantities to produce colostrum.
It can result in a negative calcium balance, leading to the development of milk fever. The disease is also considered a “gateway disease” as it increases the risk of other health problems such as mastitis, ketosis, retained placenta, displaced abomasum, and uterine prolapse.
What Are the Symptoms of Milk Fever Disease?
- Onset: Usually within one to three days after calving.
- Loss of appetite: Cow may show loss of appetite and constipation.
- Restlessness: Cow may exhibit restlessness.
- No rise in temperature: No rise in body temperature is observed.
- Excitement: Initial symptoms include excitement and incoordination of movement.
- Muscular tremors: Tremors in limbs and head are commonly observed.
- Recumbency: The cow may lie in a recumbent position with her head directed towards the flank.
- Subnormal temperature: In the final stages, subnormal body temperature may occur.
- Dilated pupils: Pupils may become dilated.
- Impalpable pulse: An impalpable pulse may be observed.
- Coma: In severe cases, the cow may slip into a coma.
- Death: In extreme cases, death may occur.
It is important to note that hypocalcemia is the primary cause of these symptoms. At the same time, hypophosphatemia and variations in serum magnesium levels may also play a role.
Nutritional Strategies to Prevent Milk Fever
Preventing Milk fever in cattle can be achieved through appropriate feeding strategies during pregnancy and post-calving. Feeding strategies that increase calcium intake, providing high-calcium feed, and increasing calcium levels in the diet, can help prevent the onset of the disease. Adopting these nutritional strategies can help maintain healthy serum calcium levels and reduce the risk of Milk fever in dairy cows.
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Treatment and Control of Milk Fever Disease
Milk fever is treated with intravenous calcium borogluconate and vitamin D3 injections, which might result in a speedy recovery. To reduce milk fever, provide the cow with half a liter of supernatant lime water. For an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment, it is important to obtain veterinarian guidance. Furthermore, correct dietary strategies and regular monitoring can prevent illness and reduce dairy cow occurrence.
Preventive and Milk Fever Disease Management in Cattle
- Milk fever prevention in cattle can be achieved through appropriate management of calcium and magnesium intake.
- Restricting calcium intake before calving and supplementing Vitamin D can reduce the risk of the disease.
- Magnesium supplementation, particularly at the rate of 15-20 g/day, along with a source of easily digestible carbohydrates, can also help prevent Milk fever.
- Magnesium should be included in the ratio at 0.4% of dry matter during pregnancy. While calcium supplementation can be used as a secondary prevention method, it should be done with caution as it may negatively affect the body’s calcium homeostatic pathways.
- It is essential to consider the quality of the ration provided and its calcium levels before deciding on calcium supplementation.
Vaccination Schedule for Milk Fever Disease in Cattle
Milk fever is treated by slow IV infusion of 8-12 g of calcium borogluconate. 85% of cases will respond within 10 minutes to 2 hours. If no response is seen after 5-6 hours, a further IV infusion may be necessary. Relapses can occur and should be treated similarly. It’s important to turn the cow every 2 hours, provide food and water, and get the cow eating for dietary calcium. Removing the calf may prevent relapses.
Ideal Management Practices for Milk Fever Disease in Cattle
Prevention of Milk Fever
- Do not breed from cows or sires with a history of milk fever.
- Prevent overfat and ensure exercise.
- Adequate magnesium intake in late pregnancy
- Avoid stress and provide long fiber.
- Calcium intake below 50 g/day during a dry period
- Adequate dietary calcium before and after calving
- Avoid diets high in strong cations.
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Treatment of Milk Fever
- Early treatment with slow IV infusion of calcium
- Warm solution in cold weather
- Turn cow every 2 hours in sternal recumbency position
- Massage legs
- Protect from exposed weather
- Remove calf in severe cases
- Treat relapses as initial treatment.
Impact of Milk Fever Disease on Cattle
Milk fever is a dangerous metabolic condition resulting in decreased milk output, diminished fertility, and even mortality in cattle. The disease has a serious impact on the dairy business as well as the health and well-being of afflicted cows. Milk fever, if left untreated, can cause long-term health concerns and lost production, making early discovery and treatment critical. A proactive approach to avoiding milk fever through herd management measures can help reduce its impact and keep dairy cattle healthy and productive.
Conclusion
Milk fever is a major health issue for dairy cattle. Early detection of symptoms, timely treatment, and a complete approach to disease control through herd management methods are critical for the affected animals’ health and production. Milk fever may be reduced, and dairy herds’ long-term health and profitability can be ensured by proactive prevention through dietary restriction, exercise, and stress management. Adequate care for this critical disease is critical to the welfare and prosperity of the dairy business.
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