Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Pregnancy Toxaemia Prevention

Pregnancy toxaemia in cattle is a metabolic disease of late pregnancy causing serious welfare harm that is largely preventable.

Key Facts

Pregnancy toxaemia (twin lamb disease analogue) occurs when energy demand exceeds intake in late gestation
Fat cows (body condition 4-5) are at higher risk due to reduced feed intake capacity
The disease causes weakness, recumbency and death if untreated
Propylene glycol and glucose drench are emergency treatments but prognosis can be poor
Body condition management throughout pregnancy prevents over-fat cows entering late gestation

Welfare Considerations

Pregnancy toxaemia causes significant suffering and high mortality without rapid treatment. The condition is largely preventable through body condition management during pregnancy to avoid over-fat cows entering the high-energy demand period of late gestation.

What You Can Do

Implement routine body condition scoring throughout the cow gestation period
Avoid cows becoming over-conditioned during mid-gestation when intake is less restricted
Train farm workers to recognise early pregnancy toxaemia signs and seek immediate veterinary intervention