By Chris Balemi, founder and managing director of Agvance Nutrition.
Despite our best efforts, downer cows are still too common an occurrence, presenting a concerning challenge. Normalised on many farms, these clinical cases are the tip of a much larger iceberg and unless prevented, this issue can undermine the health and productivity of the entire herd. There are different types of downer cows. Not all downer cows are caused by a lack of calcium, hence correct diagnosis of the disease and any other complicating factors can be critical.
Calcium downer
Milk fever and the “sleepy cow” are symptomatic of a lack of calcium at calving. These cows are non-responsive upon approach, generally weak, staggering, and sometimes unable to stand. The root cause? A lack of calcium in the blood due to an inability to activate calcium reserves during a stress period, for example calving, as opposed to a calcium deficiency.
Phosphorus downer
Often referred to as the crawler cow, phosphorus deficiency can lead to similar downer cow scenarios and in some cases the two deficiencies take place concurrently. These cows are typically bright in the eye, can be agitated, and often crawl while trying to get up, lacking the coordination to stay on their feet. Identifying this type quickly is essential for effective intervention.
Magnesium downer
Grass tetany, or magnesium deficiency, is a particularly alarming concern. Most common in early lactation, these cows show muscle tremors and uncoordination, leading to a staggering gait. Despite efforts to prevent it, sub-clinically affected cows still exist.
Ketosis
Both ketosis and milk fever are metabolic diseases. They can be hard to differentiate and can also occur concurrently. Milk fever raises the risk of the same cow suffering ketosis into early lactation. Complications from milk fever interfere with appetite and energy production, which can lead to the over-mobilisation of fat stores for energy. Ask your vet to test the cows for high beta hydroxy butyrate (BOHB) levels in the blood in order to eliminate this as a factor.
How can mineral supplementation prevent downer cows? Mineral supplements are formulated to provide essential nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and other trace minerals that may be lacking in the cow’s diet, especially during critical periods like spring or times of stress such as pregnancy or lactation.
Calcium supplementation, along with a good pre-calving negative DCAD diet for springers, helps prevent milk fever by ensuring adequate calcium levels in the bloodstream. Calcium supports proper muscle function and nerve transmission, and successful stimulation of calcium into the bloodstream can help prevent cows from becoming downers during the calving period.
Magnesium is essential to produce the hormones that aid in calcium absorption and mobilisation. Supplementing magnesium at adequate rates pre-calving and then boosting levels post-calving is important.
Most people know phosphorus supports good bone health, but few consider how important it is in energy production. Basically, the more energy in the diet, the more phosphorus is needed to convert the energy into forms the body can use. Adequate phosphorus levels will prevent crawler cows at any stage in the season, and can also reduce risks around ketosis.
Is it possible to have zero downer cows? Yes, with the right approach. Specific mineral supplementation is a vital component of preventive healthcare for dairy cows, leading up to the calving period, and during early lactation. By identifying and addressing mineral deficiencies and supporting the nutritional needs of your herd, you can significantly reduce the risk of a downer cow, as well as other related metabolic syndromes.
Learn more here.
