What causes milk fever in cows?

Milk fever in cows, also known as parturient paresis, is primarily caused by low blood calcium levels. This condition typically occurs during the transition period around the time of calving when the demand for calcium increases significantly to support the production of colostrum and milk. As a result, if the dairy cow's diet does not provide sufficient calcium or if her body cannot mobilize calcium effectively from the bones and other sources, it leads to hypocalcemia, or low blood calcium levels.

The symptoms of milk fever can include muscle weakness, lethargy, and a characteristic recumbent position. It is crucial for dairy farmers to manage the nutrition of their cows carefully, particularly in the weeks leading up to calving, to prevent this condition through proper supplementation and dietary management. This highlights the importance of monitoring mineral levels, especially calcium, to ensure the health and productivity of dairy cows.