Milk fever

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Milk fever, also known as parturient paresis, is a disease commonly seen in dairy cattle but can also affect sheep, goats, and other mammals. It is a metabolic disorder characterized by low blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia) and occurs most frequently in the immediate post-partum period, typically within 72 hours after parturition (giving birth).

Causes

Milk fever is primarily caused by the sudden demand for calcium for milk production that exceeds the animal's ability to mobilize calcium reserves. The onset of lactation causes a rapid decrease in blood calcium levels, as calcium is redirected to the mammary glands. High-producing dairy breeds, such as the Holstein, are particularly susceptible due to their high milk yields. Other factors contributing to the risk of milk fever include the animal's age (more common in older, high-producing cows), diet, and the phosphorus and magnesium levels in the body.

Symptoms

Symptoms of milk fever can be classified into three stages:

• Stage I: The cow becomes restless, has a reduced appetite, and exhibits fine tremors of the head and limbs. This stage can last for one to two hours.
• Stage II: The cow is unable to stand, lies down, has a dry nose, cold extremities, and may have a body temperature below normal. The heart rate increases, and the cow may appear dazed. This stage is critical and requires immediate treatment.
• Stage III: If untreated, the cow progresses to a state of unconsciousness, with a further drop in body temperature and heart rate. This stage can quickly lead to death if not promptly addressed.

Treatment

Treatment for milk fever involves the intravenous administration of calcium solutions. The goal is to rapidly increase the blood calcium level to reverse the symptoms. In some cases, additional treatments may include the administration of phosphorus, magnesium, and dextrose solutions to address other potential metabolic imbalances. Preventative measures include dietary management strategies to reduce the risk of milk fever. These can involve feeding low calcium diets pre-partum to stimulate the calcium regulatory mechanisms before lactation begins.

Prevention

Preventive strategies focus on dietary management to avoid sudden drops in blood calcium levels. Feeding low calcium diets in the weeks leading up to calving helps to activate the cow's calcium-regulating hormones, making it easier for her to mobilize calcium reserves when milk production starts. Additionally, ensuring adequate levels of vitamin D, which is crucial for calcium absorption and metabolism, is part of preventive care. Some farmers also use oral calcium supplements immediately after calving as a preventive measure.

Impact

Milk fever can have a significant economic impact on dairy operations due to the loss of production, treatment costs, and increased risk of other post-partum complications such as displaced abomasum and metritis. Effective management and preventive strategies are essential for minimizing the incidence and severity of milk fever in dairy herds.