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Review
12.
Prevention of milk fever: nutritional approach -
V. R. Patel, J. D. Kansara, B. B. Patel, P. B.
Patel, S. B. Patel
Vet World. 2011; 4(6): 278-280
doi:
10.5455/vetworld.4.278
Abstract
The use of negatively balanced cation-anion rations
during the late dry or prepartum period requires
excellent monitoring and management. The cows must
be separated from the remaining herd and fed a total
mixed ration as a group. Lower plasma calcium (Ca)
will stimulate the Parathyroid hormone (PTH) and
1-hydroxylase system to increase intestinal
absorption of Ca and bone resorption –reduce
incidence of milk fever. The incidence of milk fever
was increased simply by increasing the potassium (K)
concentration in pasture Diet high in K or sodium
(Na) -alkalinize the blood - decreased bone Ca
resorption and renal production of 1, 25-(OH)2
vitamin D, increase incidence of milk fever.
Inadequate supply of magnesium (Mg) in dry period -
reduce the ability of a cow to mobilize Ca at
parturition. Anionic salts (-ve DCAD) prevents milk
fever by acidifying the blood to restore tissue
responsiveness to the PTH.
Keywords: Milk
fever, cation-anion ration, total mixed ration,
Parathyroid hormone, DCAD
