Important Information About Milk Fever That Farmers Should Know:

2020-03-02

Milk fever typically occurs after calving and in high-yielding dairy cows. This condition is caused by calcium deficiency in the blood and is considered a metabolic disorder. Despite being called "fever," the animal actually experiences low body temperature.

Causes of this disease:

1. Excessive calcium loss through fetal development and milk production

2. Retained placenta, uterine prolapse, or obstructed labor

3. Higher susceptibility in cows that have calved 2-3 times

4. Mineral deficiencies disrupting normal biological processes

Symptoms:

1. Reluctance to walk or eat

2. Staggering gait and inability to stand

3. Head shaking in some cases

4. Characteristic posture: lying on one side with head tucked - a distinctive sign of milk fever

5. Low body temperature, muscle tremors, protruding tongue, and in advanced cases, unconsciousness and bloating

Preventive Measures:

1. Provide balanced nutrition to pregnant cows

2. Ensure adequate mineral supplementation

3. Proper care for mature cows

4. During the last month of pregnancy, provide appropriate calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D in feed

Treatment:

Consulting a registered veterinarian will yield the best results for treatment.