Animal milk fever, also known as parturient paresis or hypocalcemia, is a metabolic disorder that commonly affects dairy cattle shortly after calving. It is characterized by a deficiency of blood calcium levels due to the sudden demand for calcium when the cow starts producing colostrum and milk for her newborn calf.
During pregnancy, a cow's calcium requirement increases significantly to support the development of the fetus and prepare for lactation. After giving birth, the cow's body struggles to adjust and maintain adequate calcium levels, leading to milk fever. The condition typically occurs within 72 hours of calving, but can also affect the cow up to a week postpartum.
Early symptoms of animal milk fever include restlessness, weak or unsteady gait, lack of appetite, droopy ears, and reduced milk production. As the disorder progresses, affected cows may experience muscle tremors, staggering gait, disorientation, and eventually become unable to stand. In severe cases, milk fever can be life-threatening if left untreated.
To manage and prevent animal milk fever, dairy farmers often provide calcium supplements before or after calving. This helps maintain calcium levels and prevent the disorder. Intravenous calcium administration is also commonly used by veterinarians to quickly increase blood calcium levels in affected cows.
In conclusion, animal milk fever refers to a metabolic disorder in dairy cattle characterized by low blood calcium levels shortly after calving. It is crucial for farmers to be aware of the symptoms and take appropriate measures to prevent and treat this condition to ensure the health and productivity of their dairy herd.
