Today?s topic is a problem with dairy cows called hypocalcemia. It is a fairly narrow subject, but one of interest because it has negative consequences without any obvious clinical signs.
Dairy producer or not, a veterinarian explains the condition and how to correct it.
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Subclinical hypocalcemia in a dairy cow is defined as low blood calcium without obvious clinical signs. It is the disease you cannot see and impacts nearly every dairy herd.
Cows who experience subclinical hypocalcemia are less likely to reach full productive potential during their following lactations, which can negatively affect your bottom line. Dr. Mark Van Der List, professional services veterinarian at Boehringer Ingelheim, offers suggestions on how to manage subclinical hypocalcemia in your herd, starting with the potential consequences of the disease.
“Calcium is involved in many physiological processes. For example, muscle contractions, nerve impulse conduction and immune system activity. When we have lift calcium and is physiological ideal we see muscle weakness can manifest as unstable animals that control done the engine themselves. That means the muscles of the intestinal tracts aren’t working properly, so these animals don’t eat normally. Also, the uterus doesn’t contract. There is many consequences and down the road, we can see more disease.
More on subclinical hypocalcemia can be found at https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/.
