Post Calving Nutritional Disorders

Fatty Liver Syndrome

o Occurs when DMI falls during late pregnancy, while at the same time energy demand is rising.
o Unless the energy density of the ration is increased to compensate, the cow has to mobilise her own energy reserves.
o As body fat is broken down, triglycerides build up in the liver.

Clinical signs

o Ketosis - early in lactation rather than at peak-yield.
o Concurrent mild conditions that the cow would normally resolve, eg. mastitis, metritis, milk fever, which respond poorly to treatment.

Prevention

o Ensure that the ration supplies adequate energy despite the falling intakes in the 2 weeks before calving.

Ketosis/Acetonaemia

o Usually occurs 4-6 weeks post calving when yield is increasing, but DMI is not increasing to match.
o Clinical signs appear when this negative balance is exacerbated by any other condition that reduces intake, eg. disease or inadequate trough space.

Clinical signs may include:

o Gradual loss of condition, slow decline in yield
o Inappetance
o More sudden weight loss and milk yield drop
o "Pear drops smell" on breath
o Nervous signs: salivation, chewing, licking, in-coordination, aggression.

Prevention

o Minimise energy deficit at calving with good transition cow nutrition.
o Maximise intake post-calving: gradual diet changes, good feed presentation etc.

Displaced Abomasums

o 80% occur in the first month of lactation.

Clinical signs

o Inappentance, especially concentrates.
o Milk drop.
o Decreased rumen movements.

Risk Factors

o Periparturient diseases: RFM, mastitis, metritis and milk fever are all associated with increased incidence of displacements
o Nutrition: increasing concentrate to forage ratio in the diet increases the risk of displacements.
o Position of the abomasum: it is suggested that the change in the position that occurs after calving predisposes to displacement.
o Fibre: feeding diets and forages low in fibre reduces rumen fill and predisposes cattle to displacements.
o Intake: low DMI, ketosis and negative energy balance are all associated with increasing likelihood of abomasal displacements.

Prevention