Milk fever meaning

Milk fever is a disease affecting dairy cows shortly after calving due to low levels of calcium in the blood.


Milk fever definitions

Word backwards klim revef
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division milk \ fever
Plural The plural of the word milk fever is milk fevers.
Total letters 9
Vogais (2) i,e
Consonants (6) m,l,k,f,v,r

Milk fever, also known as hypocalcemia, is a common issue affecting lactating dairy cows. This condition occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood calcium levels, typically within the first few days after calving. Cows that experience milk fever often show symptoms such as weakness, loss of appetite, and difficulty standing.

Causes of Milk Fever

Hormonal Changes

One of the main causes of milk fever is the rapid onset of milk production after calving. This results in the cow needing more calcium than it can mobilize from its diet or bones, leading to a deficiency. Additionally, hormonal changes during calving can affect the cow's ability to regulate calcium levels effectively.

Prevention and Treatment

Dietary Management

Preventing milk fever involves ensuring that cows receive a balanced diet with adequate calcium levels both before and after calving. Supplementing with calcium-rich feeds or oral calcium supplements can help prevent deficiencies. In cases where a cow has already developed milk fever, intravenous calcium therapy is often necessary to raise blood calcium levels quickly.

Risk Factors

Age and Breed

Older dairy cows and certain breeds, such as Jersey cows, are more prone to developing milk fever due to differences in calcium metabolism. Additionally, cows that have previously experienced milk fever are at a higher risk of recurrence in subsequent lactations.

Monitoring and Management

Regular Monitoring

Farmers and veterinarians should regularly monitor calcium levels in dairy cows, especially during the transition period around calving. By detecting early signs of milk fever and implementing appropriate management strategies, the risk of severe complications can be minimized, and cow health and productivity optimized.


Milk fever Examples

  1. The farmer called the vet when his cow showed signs of milk fever.
  2. After calving, she experienced milk fever due to calcium deficiency.
  3. The dairy industry closely monitors cases of milk fever in cows.
  4. Proper nutrition can help prevent milk fever in dairy cows.
  5. The veterinarian recommended a calcium supplement to prevent milk fever.
  6. Milk fever can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
  7. Sheila recognized the symptoms of milk fever in her dairy herd.
  8. Milk fever is a common condition in high-producing dairy cows.
  9. The dairy farmer knew how to administer treatment for milk fever.
  10. Early detection of milk fever is crucial for successful treatment.


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  • Updated 16/05/2024 - 07:52:43