Metabolic diseases in cattle represent a significant welfare concern, particularly in high-yielding dairy cows during the transition period. These conditions cause substantial suffering and are often preventable through sound nutritional and management strategies.
Key Metabolic Conditions
Milk fever (hypocalcaemia): Occurs at or near calving when calcium demand exceeds supply. Causes muscle weakness, recumbency, and if untreated, death. Affects 5-10% of dairy cows in many herds.
Ketosis: Negative energy balance post-calving leads to excessive fat mobilisation. Subclinical ketosis affects 40-60% of cows in some herds, reducing production and increasing disease risk.
Displaced abomasum: Associated with ketosis and poor rumen fill. Requires surgical correction and causes significant pain and production loss.
Hypomagnesaemia (grass staggers): Acute deficiency causes nervous signs and rapid death if untreated. Grazing cattle at highest risk in spring.
Welfare Implications
Metabolic diseases cause pain, weakness, and impaired mobility. Recumbent cows experience pressure sores, muscle damage, and psychological distress. The interplay between conditions — where one predisposes to another — creates welfare spirals that are difficult to reverse. Early detection and prompt treatment are essential for minimising suffering.
Prevention Strategies
Transition cow nutrition management: avoiding over-conditioning (BCS >3.5 at calving)
Magnesium supplementation via water dosing, feed, or boluses
Monitoring & Early Detection
Herd health programmes should include regular monitoring of body condition score, fresh cow health checks, and metabolic profiling. Cow-side BHBA testing enables early identification of subclinical ketosis. Good record-keeping allows risk factors to be identified and corrective action taken promptly.