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Calcium Metabolism with Special Reference to Parturient Paresis (Milk Fever) in Dairy Cattle: A Review

Department of Animal Husbandry, University of California, Davis

ABSTRACT

Parturient paresis, or milk fever, is a metabolic disease associated with parturition and the initiation of lactation. It is characterized by low total serum calcium and low or normal serum inorganic phosphorus levels. Outward symptoms are characteristic: In the early stages there may be generalized tetany; in later stages, paralysis and coma. An immediate favorable response usually occurs when the blood calcium level is raised either by the intravenous administration of calcium salts or by the inflation of the udder with air, thus inhibiting milk secretion. The condition occurs most commonly in aged, high-producing Jersey cattle. It is not prevalent at the second lactation and is seldom, if ever, observed in first calf heifers. There are breed differences in susceptibility, Jerseys and Guernseys being more afflicted than Holsteins. High milk production may be a predisposing factor, since reference to this condition first appeared in the literature with the development of high production in the dairy cow.