Metabolic Disorders in Cattle Notes

Metabolic Disorders of Cattle

Types of Metabolic Disorders
  • Milk fever
  • Ketosis
  • Fat cow syndrome
  • Retained placenta
  • Displaced abomasum
  • Rumen acidosis
  • Laminitis
  • Udder edema
Milk Fever (Parturient Paresis in Cows)
  • Also known as hypocalcemia.
  • Characterized by flaccid paralysis occurring most commonly at parturition and marked by changes in mentation, generalized paresis, and circulatory collapse.
  • Clinical signs include:
    • Sternal Recumbency: Cows may display an 'S' shaped neck with a bulging rectum.
    • Serum calcium levels drop sharply from normal (10-12 mg/dL) to critically low levels (2-7 mg/dL).
    • Changes in serum phosphorus and magnesium.
  • Etiology:
    • High-producing dairy cows >5 years old are particularly affected.
    • Decreased serum calcium linked to the onset of lactation.
Stages of Parturient Paresis
  1. Stage 1:
    • Cows are ambulatory but show signs of hypersensitivity, excitability, mild ataxia, tremors, and restlessness.
  2. Stage 2:
    • Unable to stand but can maintain sternal recumbency. Signs include low heart rate, reduced body temperature, and GI stasis manifested as bloat and inability to urinate.
  3. Stage 3:
    • Progressive loss of consciousness, muscle flaccidity, unresponsive to stimuli, and risk of severe bloat. Risk of cardiac failure is high.
Treatment of Milk Fever
  • Restore normal serum calcium levels quickly:
    • IV Calcium Gluconate: Recommended dose is 1 g of calcium per 45 kg (100 lb) body weight.
    • SC and oral calcium administration in addition to IV treatment can aid absorption but may take longer to effect.
    • Monitor for cardiotoxic effects of calcium; administer slowly, observing heart rhythms.
  • Approximately 75% of cows respond within 2 hours of treatment. However, relapses can occur in 25-30% of cases within 48 hours.
Prevention of Milk Fever
  • Feeding strategies:
    • Low calcium diets during the dry period promote better calcium absorption in preparation for lactation.
    • Delayed milking post-calving can help manage calcium levels but may increase the risk of mastitis.
    • Dietary Cation-Anion Difference (DCAD): Feeding anionic salts helps maintain appropriate calcium metabolism by lowering blood pH and enhancing calcium resorption from bone.
    • Management of Body Condition: Maintain ideal body weight (~3-3.5) prior to calving.
Ketosis
  • A condition due to inadequate nutrient intake leading to low blood glucose and fat mobilization, causing elevated ketone levels.
  • Symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, rumen inactivity, and decreased milk production. Testing blood and urine for ketone levels helps diagnose.
Treatment and Management of Ketosis
  • Aim to increase blood glucose quickly through:
    • IV Glucose Administration: Quick but may require follow-up treatments.
    • Hormonal Treatments such as glucocorticoids can stimulate glucose production.
    • Oral Sugar Precursors: Sodium propionate and propylene glycol can enhance glucose availability.
  • Preventive measures include avoiding over-conditioning of cows before calving, ensuring high-quality forage post-calving, and proper nutritional management to avoid negative energy balance.
Fat Cow Syndrome
  • Typically occurs in over-conditioned cows. Similar symptoms to ketosis, including poor appetite and depression but harder to treat. Prevention focuses on managing weight during dry periods.
Retained Placenta
  • Defined as the failure of the placenta to detach from the uterine wall post-calving, commonly affecting high-producing and older cows.
  • Prevention strategies include ensuring adequate nutrition and minimizing stress conditions.
Displaced Abomasum (DA)
  • A condition where the abomasum twists, commonly occurs within 6 weeks post-calving.
  • Symptoms include lack of appetite, low milk yield, and abnormal feces.
  • Management involves nutritional strategies, feeding bulky diets, and if necessary, surgical intervention.