$5.31 Cal-C-Fresh Give at first signs of milk fever!	$3.49 Calcium Gluconate 23% Help milk fever fast!

Milk fever in cattle generally happens right around the time of calving, either right before or after. Usually affects dairy cows more than beef cattle. Affects between 3-10% of dairy cow's each year with some farms having more than that. About 1 in 20 cows that come down with milk fever will die. 

What is milk fever?
-A metabolic disease caused by a low blood calcium level (hypocalcemia)
-Causes a reduced productive lifespan by about 3 years
-Causes a reduction in milk production

What causes milk fever in cattle?
-Milk and colostrum production at calving drains the calcium from the blood and the cow is unable to replenish it
-High producing cows are at a higher risk
-Certain breeds are more susceptible like Jerseys
-Older cows are at a higher risk since they produce more
-Heifers are rarely affected but can come down with milk fever on occasion
-Not feeding the right ration before calving and after calving
-To much calcium in the diet causes insufficient absorption from the intestines causing milk fever
-Fat cows are at a higher risk for milk fever

Clinical signs of milk fever?
-Excitement or agitation
-Muscle tremors in the head and limbs
-Stagger
-Down and can't get up
-Indented eyes
-Cold ears
-Constipation
-Drowsiness
-Low body temperature
-Stick their tongue out
-Bloat

Treatment of milk fever in cattle?
-Needs to be done asap
-Use at least 300ml of a 40% solution of calcium borogluconate or a combined mineral solution given IV
   -Combined solutions contain additional nutrients for the cow that could be low
-After cows are treated don't milk for 24 hours and gradually increase amount of milk taken each milking over 2-3 days

Prevention of milk fever?
-Managing the diet
   -Keep on a low calcium diet
   -Allows for better calcium absorption and mobilizing body calcium
   -Feed plenty of hay 1-2 weeks before calving
-Giving calcium supplements before calving and right after to be on the safe side
  -Calcium tubes
  -Calcium borogluconate injections

Milk fever in cattle can be a very serious problem in the dairy industry. Since 80% of cases occur within one day before or after calving it is important to know the signs and get these cows treated right away. Taking preventative measures is also a very important step since 1 in 20 cows die from milk fever. Next time your cattle have milk fever one of these products.