The start of milk production at calving induces a sudden increase in calcium (Ca) output in dairy cows. Unsuccessful metabolic adaptation results in a decline in blood Ca content, which could become critical within 48h after calving. This state of peri-parturient hypocalcemia is also known as milk fever. Although clinical signs of milk fever are mainly seen in multiparous cows, it can also be present in primiparous cows.
Strategies to reduce the incidence of peri-parturient hypocalcemia involve:
- a low dietary anion/cation balance and/or low dietary Ca content during a few weeks prior to calving
- parenteral vitamin D3 injections
- multiple applications of Ca boluses around calving
Another effective prevention strategy could be the supply of a single bolus containing 1,25(OH)2D3* as glycosides (G-1,25(OH)2D3) a few days before calving. G-1,25(OH)2D3 is naturally produced by the plant Solanum glaucophyllum (SG).
Herbonis Animal Health has developed Panbovine®, an all-natural, micro-encapsulated, free-flowing product that contains micronized Solanum glaucophyllum leaves. Panbovine® is used as an ingredient for boluses to reduce the risk for hypocalcaemia in dairy cows.
