Also known as Hypocalcemia, milk fever is one of the more costly metabolic diseases that dairy farmers deal with. It's caused by insufficient calcium that usually occurs around calving. We will cover good transition cow management, nutrition, proactive supplement strategies to reduce milk fever, and the treatment options for your herd.
PREVENTION THROUGH MANAGEMENT AND NUTRITION
Silage
Start by getting a silage analysis with a full mineral profile which will be fed to the dry cows. A well-formulated transition period ration can help maintain blood calcium levels after freshening. The control of calcium, potassium and phosphorous is important in the prevention of milk fever. Dry cows need enough protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals in their diets.
Low Calcium
DCAD (Dietary Cation-Anion Difference)
Dietary management
Vitamin D supplementation
Body condition score
Cow comfort and stress
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR MILK FEVER
Calcium Borogluconate Injection (CBG)
MFC Injection
Oral calcium supplement
Calcium is frequently administered intravenously to downer cows. To treat milder and suspected cases, subcutaneous application and oral calcium formulations are available. Keep in mind that these various calcium types are not all the same. There is more to calcium therapies than meets the eye, and just like any other treatment, they ought to only be given with a veterinarian's approval.
For more information on our supplements, and treatment applications for milk fever in cows, contact a Lionel's Vet representative near you: www.lionelsvet.co.za/sales-team/
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