Clinical Milk Fever, which can occur pre or post-calving, causes paresis (down cow) which whether serious or mild can lead to death or culling. The low blood calcium affects muscle tone in both skeletal and smooth (gut and uterus) muscles and sometimes cows with Milk Fever will be lying flat, literally just moments away from death. Some of the other major problems include retained foetal membrane (RFM) bruising of limbs and mastitis. There are ongoing repercussions including metritis (toxic uterine infection) twisted stomachs and bone fractures.

The second challenge is "hidden" or sub-clinical Milk Fever, which is more of an issue than many farmers recognize. Pre-calving, the cow is still standing but can be very weak. The related incidences of uterine inertia lead to slow calving and a higher rate of dead calves. Post-calving cows have low blood calcium, but not enough to "go down." There are incidences of retained foetal membranes (RFM) but this isn't always visually apparent. The cows will be suffering from a low or reduced appetite. They're dull and lethargic and reluctant to rise and eat which can lead to rumen shut down, condition loss, ketosis, fatty liver and LDAs.

Many farmers are now using calcium boluses to try and help reduce the risk of Milk Fever.

For more information on our new Calcium bolus please go to www.agrimin247.co.uk