Forages of Texas - North Central » Forage Livestock Disorders

DISORDER: Milk Fever Plant Species: Not plant related Causes: Low levels Calcium (Ca) in the blood of older milking females. Mode of Action: The process of lactation pulls large amounts of Ca from the cow. Decreased Ca lowers pH of blood (which is normally between 7.3 - 7.5) Animal Symptoms: Loss of appetite, followed by muscle weakness and paralysis of hind legs. Cow collapses into coma and dies. Conditions: It occurs within 3 days of caving. It is more likely to occur when dry cows are fed high amounts of Ca and P (during the dry period) Treatment: Treat with IV solution of calcium gluconate. Prevention: There is no prevention, however a prepartal diet of reduced cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+) and increased anions (Cl-, S2-) tend to reduce the incidence of milk fever by keeping blood pH higher. More Disorders: | Blister Beetle | Bloat | Coumarin | Fescue Toxicosis | Fog Fever | Gossypol Toxicity | Grass Tetany | | Interstitial Cystitis | Lathyrism | Milk Fever | Nitrate Poisoning | Photosensitization | Prussic Acid | Staggers | |  Ag Programs   |  Center Information   |  Faculty & Staff   |  TAES - Research   |  TCE - Extension   |  Weather  | [ State of Texas Homepage | Privacy Policy | Open Records Policy | Copyright Infringement | Required Links | Statement of Purpose ]  Copyright ©2009 · The Texas A&M System · Research & Extension Center - Stephenville, Texas 76401 · 254.968.4144  Contact the Webmaster at:  stephenville@ag.tamu.edu