Minimise the risk of Milk Fever with AHV calcium products for dairy cows

Ad Feature by AHV (UK and Ireland)
Published 6th Sep 2023, 07:00 BST
Supporting milk production in your calving cow with AHV. Picture – supplied.Supporting milk production in your calving cow with AHV. Picture – supplied.
Supporting milk production in your calving cow with AHV. Picture – supplied.
Milk fever: How to reduce risk to your dairy cows and ensure a positive start to lactation.

Milk fever, also known as hypocalcemia, is a metabolic disorder that commonly affects dairy cows during the early stages of lactation. It typically occurs just after calving and is primarily caused by the sudden increase in calcium demand for milk production coupled with a temporarily reduced ability of the cow to regulate its blood calcium levels.

Milk fever can lead to various symptoms, including muscle weakness, loss of appetite, difficulty in standing or walking, and in severe cases, even paralysis. Cows affected by milk fever are at higher risk of developing other health issues and are more susceptible to infections and reproductive problems.

Given the potentially serious consequences of milk fever, it's essential to implement preventive measures and monitor cows closely during the transition period to minimise the risk to overall herd health.

How milk fever increases risk of secondary health issues - Lawlor, J., 'The latest thinking and practices in milk fever mitigation', Veterinary Ireland Journal, 11.3, (2021), 178-12.How milk fever increases risk of secondary health issues - Lawlor, J., 'The latest thinking and practices in milk fever mitigation', Veterinary Ireland Journal, 11.3, (2021), 178-12.
How milk fever increases risk of secondary health issues - Lawlor, J., 'The latest thinking and practices in milk fever mitigation', Veterinary Ireland Journal, 11.3, (2021), 178-12.

How can AHV support your dairy cows?

Pre-calving : Administering two AHV Milk Start Tablets during the last 24 hours before calving provides the cow with a boost of calcium, phosphate and magnesium, which helps to support mineral balance during the crucial early lactation phase.

Directly Post-Calving: After calving, the priority is to get the cow back on her feet and eating as soon as possible. That's where AHV's StartLac Paste steps in. StartLac Paste is a dietetic feed, packed with minerals and energy to kickstart recovery.

Providing a highly bioavailable source of calcium, StartLac Paste supports muscle function and milk production requirements, while minimising the risk of milk fever. StartLac Paste also includes phosphate, magnesium, and vitamin D3, which are additionally beneficial to muscle function and improves the cow’s ability to absorb calcium.

AHV Milk Start Tablet and StartLac Paste are part of the AHV Transition and Fertility Programme which fully supports the recently calved cow and ensures a positive start to her lactation.

To find out more about AHV and its programmes, visit the website at www.ahvint.com or email [email protected].