Hypocalcemia, a disease known as milk fever, is a metabolic disease that has a major impact on dairy farms. In addition to reduced milk production and quality, the disease increases the risk of retained placenta, rennet displacement and mastitis, and can cause death in the animal in severe cases. Its prevention requires continuous action, ranging from management to animal nutrition.
The disease can appear in two forms: clinical, with visible signs, such as tremors and paralysis, or subclinical, which does not show external signs, but is also equally dangerous. “The subclinic, in particular, should receive increased attention from livestock farmers, due to its occurrence (which can affect up to 50% of cows after calving) and the risks it entails, such as reduced milk production and weakened immunity of the cow, making it vulnerable to other diseases,” explains Eduardo Pires, veterinarian and technical director of the Large Animal Area at Boehringer Ingelheim. He adds that hypocalcemia can cause a loss of 700 riyals to livestock farmers.
Since subclinical hypocalcemia is a silent disease that is difficult to identify, the producer must adopt a preventive strategy in his herd, especially regarding animal nutrition, recommending an anionic or acidic diet during the prepartum period.
“Even with the necessary pre-calving care, the animal often faces challenges with disease. Therefore, post-calving protective measures should be extended, with effective and quickly absorbed calcium supplements immediately after the cow is born,” comments the professional.
The expert stresses that preventing the disease requires taking action on several fronts. “The fight against hypocalcemia does not depend on a single measure, but on a completely integrated management system,” he explains. “When a farm establishes robust processes, gains are constantly evident, both in milk profitability and in the health of the livestock.” animal throughout its life,” concludes Eduardo Pires.