Milk fever is a common concern for homestead dairy cows, but with the right prevention plan, you can help ensure a smooth freshening and a healthy, productive cow. This is a metabolic disorder, caused by low blood calcium levels after calving, and can quickly become life-threatening if not addressed. Thankfully, a natural approach to milk fever prevention can support your cow’s calcium balance and overall health. However, even with the best protocols in place, emergencies happen, so it’s essential to establish a relationship with a trusted veterinarian before you ever need one. In this post, we’ll cover a proactive natural strategy to help prevent milk fever in your dairy cow and set her up for a strong lactation.
What is Milk Fever
Milk fever can happen at anytime during a cow’s lactation but mostly occurs when a cow gives birth because they need such a large amount of calcium to start producing milk. Their body takes the calcium from their blood, leaving the cow’s calcium levels depleted.
Milk fever can quickly lead to death if left untreated and symptoms can progress quickly. Knowing what to look for will help you catch it quickly and stop her symptoms from escalating.
Risk Factors
- Older cows (especially third lactation and beyond)
- High-producing dairy breeds (Jersey cows especially)
- Cows with too much body fat
- Cows with a history of milk fever
- Diet imbalances before calving
Symptoms of Milk Fever
Early warning signs are:
- Cold ears possibly just ear tips
- Loss of appetite
- Twitching around the shoulder blades or hind quarters
- Dilated pupils
Symptoms will progress to:
- Unsteadiness
- Lying down and not being able to get up
- Elevated heart rate
Natural Milk Fever Prevention Protocol
- 2 weeks before calving feed her 2 oz of Apple cider vinegar twice a day everyday
- Provide a calcium bolus, Bovikalc right after calving. A second bolus can be given 12 hours later if they are high risk.
- Supplement with Magnesium 2-3 weeks before freshening
- Allow plenty of sun exposure for Vitamin D
Post-Calving Nutrition
- Offer high-quality forage
- Provide a balanced mineral mix
- Have warm molasses water to replenish energy and encourage eating
Taking steps to prevent milk fever can save your cows life. After freshening, monitor your cow closely and take action the minute you see symptoms. It is also extremely important to already have a working relationship established with a vet. Most veterinarians are not going to be able to prioritize a new patient over their already established patient in need.
