MEETING THE CHALLENGE of Fresh Cow Clinical and Subclinical Hypocalcemia Normal fresh cow blood calcium levels (> 8.5 mg/ dl) are highly correlated to the key metabolic pa- rameters essential for optimal fresh cow health, milk production, reproduction and overall productive life. Typical fresh cow incidence of clinical hypocalcemia (milk fever) is 3-6%, while subclinical hypocalcemia affects 50% or more of mature cows. The effects of clinical hypocalcemia (CH) can be financially significant; however, subclinical hypocal- cemia (SCH) is even more costly because it affects a much higher percent of fresh cows. Due to its insidious nature, routinely diagnosing SCH and appropriately treating on an individual cow basis is largely impractical. Cascading Effects of Hypocalcemia DECREASED: • DMI • Immune Function • Body Condition • Muscle Function Hypocalcemia < 8.5 mg/dl Health issue Dystocia Ketosis Displaced Abomasum Retained Placenta Metritis Mastitis Cull Rate Relative Risk * 3-6 X 3-8 X 2-5 X 2-4 X 4-5 X 7-8 X 2-3 X DECREASED: • Milk Production • Reproduction • Efficiency • Productive Life • Profitability * Relative Risk data sourced from multiple scientific journal articles.
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