Frequently Asked Questions About
Milk Fever and Miacal D Plus

The cows most susceptible to milk fever are those in the transition period (around calving), dairy cows during lactation, and especially high-producing dairy cows in their third or later lactations. These cows experience the most significant and rapid demands for calcium.

Clinical milk fever presents with severe symptoms of calcium deficiency, including the inability to stand and low body temperature. Subclinical milk fever, while more prevalent, has less obvious symptoms. In its mild stage, cows may exhibit restlessness, loss of appetite, and leg tremors. Moderate symptoms include an inability to stand properly, swaying, bloat, and a weak pulse. Severe cases involve the cow being unable to rise, muscle tremors, cold extremities, and potentially coma or death if untreated. Importantly, cows with subclinical milk fever, though able to stand, will perform less efficiently and are more prone to other health issues like mastitis and uterine infections.

Miacal D Plus is a nutritional supplement formulated with calcium, sodium, zinc, and vitamin D3 specifically designed to support proper calcium metabolism in dairy cows. It is primarily intended for use during the preparturient period (around calving) to help prevent the sudden drop in blood calcium levels that leads to milk fever. The formulation aims to increase the availability of calcium in the cow's bloodstream, enabling them to meet the calcium demands of lactation and avoid the severe effects of hypocalcemia.

Miacal D Plus helps prevent milk fever through several mechanisms. It provides a readily available source of calcium to help meet the immediate post-calving demand. The vitamin D3 in the supplement enhances the absorption of calcium from the cow's diet. Additionally, the zinc content supports enzymes involved in calcium transport and bone health, which are crucial for calcium mobilization. By supplying these key nutrients during the critical transition period, Miacal D Plus supports the cow's ability to maintain adequate blood calcium levels.

• The transition period, typically three weeks before and after calving, is when dairy cows undergo significant physiological changes and face the highest risk of metabolic disorders like milk fever. This is because the demand for calcium for colostrum and milk production increases dramatically at calving. If the cow's body cannot adapt quickly enough to mobilize sufficient calcium from its reserves and diet, hypocalcemia can develop. Therefore, providing support during this period is crucial for preventing milk fever.

Preventing milk fever, including subclinical cases, offers several benefits beyond avoiding recumbency. It can lead to improved overall health and performance by reducing the incidence of secondary diseases such as mastitis, uterine infections (endometritis), and retained placenta. Cows with adequate calcium levels after calving typically have a better appetite, leading to improved energy balance and higher milk production. Ultimately, preventing milk fever can reduce veterinary costs and contribute to a more productive and healthy herd.

Maintaining adequate blood calcium levels after calving depends on the cow's ability to effectively mobilize calcium stored in her bones and absorb calcium from her diet. Miacal D Plus supports these processes by providing an immediate source of calcium, which can lessen the reliance on rapid bone mobilization. The vitamin D3 in Miacal D Plus enhances calcium absorption from the diet in the gut. Furthermore, zinc contributes to the healthy functioning of the mechanisms involved in calcium transport and bone resorption. By addressing both calcium availability and the cow's ability to utilize calcium from different sources, Miacal D Plus helps prevent the development of milk fever.