Milk fever, medically known as parturient paresis, is a common and serious metabolic disorder affecting dairy animals, particularly cows and buffaloes, around the time of calving. Despite the name, milk fever does not involve a rise in body temperature. Instead, it results from a sudden drop in blood calcium levels (hypocalcemia), which severely affects muscle function, nerve signalling, and vital physiological processes.

Understanding the causes, clinical signs, physiological mechanisms, treatment, and prevention of milk fever is crucial to ensuring the health, welfare, and productivity of dairy herds.

What Causes Milk Fever?

Milk fever primarily occurs when the calcium demand during early lactation exceeds the animal’s ability to mobilize calcium from body reserves. This sudden demand arises as the animal begins producing colostrum and milk.

Key Contributing Factors:

• High calcium demand postpartum: Rapid calcium loss into milk shortly after calving.
• Inadequate dietary calcium during the dry period: Poor reserves make animals vulnerable at calving.
• Mineral imbalance: High dietary potassium or phosphorus interferes with calcium metabolism.
• Suboptimal parathyroid hormone (PTH) response: PTH governs calcium release from bones and absorption from intestines; a weak response impairs calcium homeostasis.
• Hormonal and metabolic changes: Alter calcium regulation during late pregnancy.

The Physiological Mechanism Behind Milk Fever

Under normal conditions, when blood calcium levels drop, the parathyroid gland secretes PTH. This hormone triggers:

• Mobilization of calcium from bone stores
• Enhanced calcium absorption from the intestines (via vitamin D activation)
• Reduced calcium excretion through urine

In milk fever, this response is delayed or insufficient, leading to sustained hypocalcemia and the onset of clinical symptoms.

Clinical Signs and Stages of Milk Fever

Stage 1 – Mild Signs:

• Restlessness, anxiety
• Muscle tremors, especially around flanks and limbs
• Wobbly gait
• Increased heart and respiratory rate

Stage 2 – Moderate Signs:

• Animal lies in sternal recumbency (chest down)
• Cold ears and extremities
• Dilated pupils, dullness
• Dry muzzle, low rumen motility
• Constipation

Stage 3 – Severe Signs:

• Lateral recumbency (lying on the side)
• Muscle paralysis and loss of reflexes
• Weak pulse, low body temperature
• Coma and potential death without urgent treatment

Diagnosis of Milk Fever

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs and history. Laboratory confirmation includes:

• Serum calcium level: Typically, <5.5 mg/dL
• Other tests: Serum phosphorus, magnesium, and acid-base balance to identify complications

Conventional Treatment Approaches

Timely intervention is critical. Treatment includes:

• Intravenous calcium therapy: Calcium borogluconate restores serum calcium quickly. Must be administered slowly to avoid cardiac complications.
• Oral calcium supplementation: Maintains calcium levels post-IV or for mild cases.
• Magnesium supplementation: Supports calcium metabolism and hormone function.
• Supportive care: Fluids, warmth, and monitoring for secondary infections (e.g., retained placenta, mastitis).

Herbal and Natural Approaches

Natural supplements enriched with calcium and supportive nutrients can enhance calcium regulation naturally.

Introducing Uterotone 3 in 1: A Comprehensive Uterine and Metabolic Support

Uterotone 3 in 1 is a polyherbal liquid feed supplement formulated to support the reproductive and metabolic health of dairy animals during the critical pre- and post-calving period. It is fortified with:

• Calcium – 13,500 mg/100 ml
• Phosphorus – 6,750 mg/100 ml
• Magnesium – 200 mg/100 ml
• Carbohydrate precursors – To provide quick energy and support liver function

Key Benefits:

• Maintains calcium balance and prevents hypocalcemia
• Aids in timely expulsion of placenta
• Supports uterine health and involution
• Helps reduce risks of milk fever and ketosis
• Enhances milk yield and metabolic recovery

Dosage and Administration  

Cow/Buffalo

• Peri-Parturient Animals: 300 ml just before calving, followed by 300 ml after 12 hours. Repeat 300 ml daily for 2–4 days or as advised by a veterinarian/nutritionist.
• Post-Parturient Animals: 300 ml twice on the day of calving, followed by 300 ml daily for 2–4 days.

Ewe/Doe

• Peri-Parturient Animals: 50 ml just before lambing/kidding, followed by 50 ml after 12 hours. Repeat 50 ml daily for 2–4 days or as advised by a veterinarian/nutritionist.
• Post-Parturient Animals: 50 ml twice on the day of lambing/kidding, followed by 50 ml daily for 2–4 days.

Packing Sizes:

300 ml and 900 ml

Conclusion

Milk fever is a life-threatening but preventable metabolic disorder in dairy animals. Through proper nutritional management, timely supplementation, and the use of holistic products like Uterotone 3 in 1, farmers and veterinarians can effectively minimize the risks and ensure healthier, more productive animals.

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