34. Reducing risk of low blood calcium at calving - Dairy cow springer (pre-calving) diets

In this our latest podcast, we focus exclusively on the diet of “springer” dairy cows (otherwise known as “close up dry cows”). Many factors are important when designing springer cows diets – relating not only to calcium metabolism but also to do with dietary energy, protein, fibre and, of course, the requirements for other minerals and vitamins. Focusing specifically on how a springer cow diet influences calcium metabolism through calving and during early lactation, we’ll cover a range of different topics. First up, the basics of calcium metabolism are discussed then moving onto the reasons why recently calved cows end up vulnerable to low blood calcium (hypocalcaemia), particularly when freshly calved cows are milked for the first time. Strategies to lessen the extent and duration of hypocalcaemia in freshly calved cows inevitably start with the design of a springer cow diet. A range of springer pre-calving diet-based strategies exist, including but not limited to focusing on appropriate dietary magnesium management, dietary DCAD (dietary cationic anionic difference), supplementation with very low or very high rates of calcium, use of calcium/phosphorus binders, avoiding high dietary phosphorus before calving, and vitamin D supplementation for springers. We don’t cover anything about fresh cow (colostrum) and early lactation management in this podcast, all content focuses wholly on the springer cow. Watch this space for future podcasts covering further aspects of management of the periparturient cow. **Disclaimer – this podcast is NOT intended to replace the advice from your own veterinarian and qualified dairy nutritionist specific to your farm, your feeds and your cows. Please consult directly with your vet and nutritionist about challenges of low blood calcium / milk fever / downer cows in your herd**