Farm Animals

Dairy Cow Metabolic Disease

High-production dairy cows frequently suffer from metabolic diseases caused by energy imbalance around calving.

Key Facts

Ketosis, milk fever, and displaced abomasum affect 30-50% of cows in peak herds
High genetic production potential often exceeds the cow's metabolic capacity
Transition cow management around calving is critical for health outcomes
Cows with metabolic disease are more likely to be culled early

Welfare Considerations

The high-production dairy cow is a metabolically stressed animal. Genetic selection for milk yield has created cows whose bodies struggle to adapt to the energy demands of lactation. The transition period around calving is a cascade of metabolic challenges. Cows suffering from ketosis experience weakness, appetite loss, and liver compromise — conditions causing significant welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Support dairy farms certified for low metabolic disease rates
Advocate for welfare metrics tracking metabolic disease in dairy production
Choose dairy from grass-fed systems with lower production pressure
Reduce dairy consumption given the welfare costs of high-intensity production