Livestock

Downer Cow Syndrome: Welfare Management and Decision-making

How to manage recumbent cattle and make welfare-centred decisions about recovery and euthanasia.

Key Facts

Downer cow syndrome follows milk fever, severe mastitis, or trauma causing recumbency
Compartment syndrome from prolonged recumbency causes irreversible muscle and nerve damage
The longer a cow is down, the worse the prognosis — time is welfare
Flotation tanks allow cows to recover in water buoyancy if used promptly

Welfare Considerations

Downer cow welfare requires rapid, decisive action — delay causes irreversible welfare harm through compartment syndrome. Welfare management includes prompt treatment of the primary cause, every-2-hour rolling to prevent pressure sores, assessment of nerve and muscle function, and use of flotation tanks where available. Welfare decision-making must recognise when recovery is not achievable and euthanasia is the welfare-preserving choice.

What You Can Do

Treat recumbent cattle as an emergency — every hour down increases irreversible damage
Roll downer cows every 2 hours to prevent pressure sores and aid circulation
Set welfare thresholds for euthanasia — cattle that cannot rise after 7-10 days rarely recover