An update on hypocalcaemia control

Abstract

Clinical milk fever (hypocalcaemia) is one of the most common metabolic diseases encountered in dairy cows. Subclinical hypocalcaemia in the first days post calving is very common but not often monitored on farm. If monitoring strategies are used the timing of sampling and the parity of animals is important in interpretation of results. Several studies show subclinical hypocalcaemia predisposes cows to an increased risk of diseases such as metritis and displaced abomasum as well as reduced reproductive performance and compromised milk yields. Targeted interventions with calcium supplementation can be effective in mitigating these risks. Preventative strategies normally focus on restricting dietary potassium in the lead up to calving and ensuring adequate magnesium status. Ca binding agents can also be very effective but it is a more expensive strategy.