Milk Fever Prevention — Managing Calcium at Calving
Simple guidelines on low-calcium feeding before calving and oral calcium gel protocols post-calving to prevent downer cows.
Understanding Milk Fever (Hypocalcemia)
Milk fever is a calcium deficiency that strikes cows within 48 hours of calving. When milk production starts, the cow suddenly needs massive amounts of calcium for colostrum and milk. If her body cannot mobilize calcium from her bones fast enough, blood calcium drops. This leads to muscle weakness, inability to stand (downer cow), cold ears, and subnormal body temperature.
The Pre-Calving Low-Calcium Trick
A common mistake is feeding high-calcium feeds (like berseem or high-calcium mineral mixtures) to pregnant dry cows. This puts the cow's calcium-mobilization system to sleep. Instead, restrict calcium intake during the dry period (avoid berseem, feed wheat straw/bhusa and low-calcium concentrates). This forces the cow's parathyroid gland to remain active, so she is ready to mobilize bone calcium the moment calving begins.
Post-Calving Calcium Gel Protocol
For high-yielding crossbred cows and older multiparous cows, administer oral calcium gels. Give one tube at the first signs of calving, a second tube immediately after calving, a third tube 12 hours later, and a fourth tube 24 hours post-calving. This provides a direct, highly absorbable source of calcium that stabilizes blood levels during the critical transition.
Handling a Downer Cow Safely
If a cow goes down, treat her as a medical emergency. Do not force her to stand on slippery concrete. Provide thick, dry bedding (sand or straw) to prevent muscle damage. Call your veterinarian immediately to administer intravenous calcium borogluconate slowly, while monitoring her heart rate.
Restrict calcium before calving to wake up the cow's natural mobilization system, administer oral calcium gels post-calving, and call the vet immediately if a cow goes down.