The Most Important Metabolic Diseases in Dairy Cattle during the Transition Period

The Most Important Metabolic Diseases in Dairy Cattle during the Transition Period

6 March 2024 | Vincenzo Tufarelli, Nikola Puvaca, Dragan Glamocić, Gianluca Pugliese and Maria Antonietta Colonna
This review discusses three critical metabolic diseases in dairy cattle during the transition period: subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), ketosis, and hypocalcemia. These diseases are prevalent and can significantly impact dairy cattle health and productivity. SARA is caused by excessive carbohydrate intake, leading to ruminal acidosis and various health issues. Ketosis, a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated ketone bodies, is common in early lactation and can lead to reduced milk production and fertility. Hypocalcemia, or milk fever, occurs due to a sudden calcium demand after calving and can result in paralysis and death if untreated. The review emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and proactive management to mitigate the impact of these diseases. For SARA, prevention involves gradual dietary changes and monitoring ruminal pH. Ketosis can be managed through proper nutrition, glucose and propylene glycol supplementation, and monitoring ketone levels. Hypocalcemia is treated with intravenous or subcutaneous calcium administration and prevented through balanced diets and vitamin D supplementation. The study highlights the need for veterinarians, researchers, and dairy farmers to understand these diseases to implement effective prevention and treatment strategies, ultimately improving the health and productivity of dairy cattle.This review discusses three critical metabolic diseases in dairy cattle during the transition period: subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), ketosis, and hypocalcemia. These diseases are prevalent and can significantly impact dairy cattle health and productivity. SARA is caused by excessive carbohydrate intake, leading to ruminal acidosis and various health issues. Ketosis, a metabolic disorder characterized by elevated ketone bodies, is common in early lactation and can lead to reduced milk production and fertility. Hypocalcemia, or milk fever, occurs due to a sudden calcium demand after calving and can result in paralysis and death if untreated. The review emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and proactive management to mitigate the impact of these diseases. For SARA, prevention involves gradual dietary changes and monitoring ruminal pH. Ketosis can be managed through proper nutrition, glucose and propylene glycol supplementation, and monitoring ketone levels. Hypocalcemia is treated with intravenous or subcutaneous calcium administration and prevented through balanced diets and vitamin D supplementation. The study highlights the need for veterinarians, researchers, and dairy farmers to understand these diseases to implement effective prevention and treatment strategies, ultimately improving the health and productivity of dairy cattle.
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