Milk Fever- A calcium definciency in a cows body due to the onset of lactation. Generally a very easy to diagnose, easy to treat issue, but if gone unnoticed for too long, can be fatal in cows. A cow generally right after calving, will come down with cool ears and not want to eat or drink and have no energy. Treatments include calcium, either given orally or through an IV line. It is more common in dairy cows than beef cows because they produce more milk, and generally occurs in mature cows 4 years old and older.
With all that said, it is 9:15 pm and Philip just headed down to the farm to check on Ingrid, one of our older cows who was in labor a bit earlier. She was already coming down with Milk Fever before she calved so he gave her a tube of calcium and left her in a paddock near the barn, so she wasn't very far in the field so he could check her easily....
update: Ingrid is the proud mother to a bull calf! Her ears are warm and she has been up so she is ok for now. Philip will probably have to get up to check on her around midnight. Guess we better head off to bed!
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A blog from the life of a young mother and farmers wife, about the trials and tribulations of raising two rambunctious young boys on a dairy farm. My thoughts, our adventures and more!
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Ranney Ridge Farm
2 comments:
Awww congrats on the new baby cow. I love it when they are babies they are adorable! I am glad the Mamais doing well. High five to your hubby!
Wow! I didn't know that calcium deficiency in cows could be fatal. I'm glad she's doing well. Congrats to Mama Cow on her new baby!
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