Crookwell Veterinary Hospital vets are seeing far too many downer cows and heifers. Most are heavily pregnant and do not respond well to treatment.
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In late pregnancy, the energy demands of the developing foetus and the maintenance requirements of the cow increase significantly. Additional energy is required to keep the cow warm in cold Tablelands weather.
If the energy and protein in available feed don’t meet these needs, fat deposits become depleted and muscle mass breaks down to help maintain blood glucose levels so critical to life.
Dry matter intake (DMI) in late pregnancy is reduced as the growing foetus occupies much of the abdomen.
This is when the metabolisable energy (ME) and crude protein (CP) in feed becomes critical.
Vitamin and mineral supplements are of little use in these situations.
Surprisingly, most of these cows remain bright, alert and continue to eat, making it difficult for producers to recognise the cause is inadequate supplementary feed.
Hay in particular is often low in ME and CP.
Bring in 1kg of hay, grain or silage and CVH vets will organise feed analysis through the Department of Agriculture feed quality service to determine ME and CP content.
Inadequate energy means grain must be fed at a level able to maintain body weight through this demanding late pregnancy period.
If protein/energy malnutrition is diagnosed, assess the remainder of the herd.
Separate lower condition animals from stronger individuals to minimise competition and treat with feed supplements to prevent further weight loss.
Treating late pregnant cows down from poor dietary protein and energy is often a disappointing exercise.
A high level of care is essential: place the downer cow under cover, lift her at least once daily, and keep concentrate and water available at all times.
Propylene glycol (Ceton) and anti-inflammatory injections can assist recovery.
If you have, or anticipate, downer cows, please contact us at CVH. Early intervention is critical and can often prevent losses, and there are many cows still to calve.