Hypocalcemia, or subclinical milk fever, affects three-quarters of dairy cows. Research has revealed the following about hypocalcemia:
- cows with milk fever are eight times more likely to develop ketosis and mastitis;
- cows with milk fever have a fivefold increased risk of abomasal displacement;
- hypocalcemia can be a cause of these conditions or a decrease in milk production;
- on farms where cows suffer from subclinical milk fever, the percentage can rise to around 50% from the second lactation;
- on farms with clinical milk fever cases, the percentage can increase to 8% from the second lactation.
There is limited knowledge about the costs of milk fever. In 2021, Veterinary Ireland Journal estimated the costs, revealing:
- milk fever costs €7,625 per 100 cows;
- 80% of this cost, €6,250, is attributed to subclinical milk fever;
- many of these costs are not directly related to milk fever but to the increased risk of other metabolic disorders.
While these costs may not fully align with those in other countries, they offer an insight into the potential issues posed by (subclinical) milk fever. This condition can significantly impact the profitability of dairy farms.
Intensive farm management involving regular blood testing provides insight into the prevalence of (subclinical) milk fever. BoviLab can play a supportive role here. BoviLab is a valuable tool for monitoring the transition period of dairy cows. It allows veterinarians and feed suppliers to proactively work on dairy cow health and minimize the risk of (subclinical) milk fever. BoviLab enables regular blood tests, analyzing seven parameters, including calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are crucial for milk fever prevention. The reference values can be customized as needed.
