Metabolic diseases on the rise this spring
Maura Langan of Norbrook advises farmers to beware of a worrying spike in cases of milk fever this spring. Preventative action now can help minimise the threat to the health of their herds.
HERD HEALTH SERIES: , veterinary adviser with Norbrook.
We’re getting reports of an increase in metabolic diseases across the country this season, with a worrying spike in cases of milk fever. Poor transition linked to forage quality may be one of the reasons, and some vets are also seeing an impact in calf health. Preventative measures taken promptly can help to mitigate the impact.
The time around calving, or the transition period, is hugely important. The stress of calving, drop in appetite, change from dry to lactation diet and the increase in energy and nutrients required to produce colostrum put considerable strain on the efficiency of the rumen and the cow’s metabolism. Between 60-80% of all clinical diseases in the lifespan of high-yielding dairy cows occur over the transition period. For adult cows, the first 30 days post-calving is the most hazardous period, accounting for nearly 47% of all on-farm deaths (ICBF).
Inappetence and sudden dietary changes can result in ruminal stasis, where the rumen fails to churn the contents properly, creating a surplus of lactic acid, reducing the pH and disturbing the delicate balance of the rumen flora. Maintaining efficient function of the rumen is essential to support the cow through the last weeks of pregnancy and first weeks of lactation.
It is important that the transition cow has efficient rumen function prior to calving to minimise the risk of post-partum metabolic diseases. Fresh Boost is an oral paste containing yeasts, triple-strain bacteria, vitamins, dextrose and anti-body rich egg proteins to combat metabolic stress and promote rumen function. It is simple and convenient to administer: half a syringe per day, repeated for 3-5 days, as necessary.
Milk fever (hypocalcaemia) is caused by low blood calcium due to the failure of the cow to activate the release of sufficient calcium reserves mostly from her bone. All freshly calved cows are challenged to maintain normal calcium levels within the first 72 hours of calving. An oral calcium supplement given to every cow shortly after calving may be a cost-effective measure to provide additional calcium, allowing the cow a little extra time to start the process of mobilising her own supply and meeting her needs naturally.
Calcitrace D3 bolus contains 45g of calcium in the form of fast-release calcium formate and calcium acetate, and slow-release calcium sulphate with Vitamin D to support calcium absorption from the intestine. Calcitrace P liquid contains very high levels of calcium (59g per bottle) and 45g of phosphorus to reduce the risk of prolonged recovery from milk fever caused by phosphorus deficiency. It can be given directly as a drink or added to feed or water.
Cows with a high body condition score (BCS), low BCS, older cows, high producing dairy cows, those with a history of milk fever and the Jersey breed are deemed to be particularly high risk and may require a follow-up bolus or drench approximately 12 hours later.
Clinical milk fever (‘downer cow’) requires prompt, lifesaving veterinary treatment with intravenous calcium (Calciject40). Clinical cases should always be given additional oral calcium supplements following IV Calcium treatment, your vet will be able to advise a suitable protocol.
Controlling milk fever successfully in the herd, helps ensure health and productivity for the rest of the year. Research shows a cow that develops milk fever is eight times more likely to get mastitis in the subsequent lactation. There is also a significant link between milk fever and impaired reproductive performance, including increased calving intervals, dystocia, retained placenta and left displaced abomasum.
Following any case of milk fever, stress, dehydration or inappetence, I recommend farmers try to quickly rebalance and restore normal rumen function by increasing appetite, enhancing digestive and absorptive processes to promote overall well-being.
Rumen Stimulant is a convenient sachet containing essential amino acids, yeast extract (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and yeast-derived prebiotics (Amaferm), electrolytes to combat rumen acidosis, vitamins A, D3, E, B1, B2, B6, B12 and calcium, cobalt, iron and manganese.
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