Milk Fever (Hypocalcaemia) in Cows & Buffaloes

What is milk fever?

Milk fever, or hypocalcaemia, means low calcium in the blood. Around calving, a cow or buffalo suddenly needs a large amount of calcium to make colostrum (first milk) and milk. If her body cannot release calcium fast enough, the level in the blood drops. Muscles and nerves need calcium to work, so she becomes weak and may go down.

Despite the name, milk fever does not cause a fever. The body temperature is often normal or low, and the ears and legs feel cold. It is most common in older, high-yielding cows, usually within a day or so of calving, but it can also start before or during calving. Buffaloes can be affected too. Some animals have low calcium without clear signs, which can make other problems around calving, such as a retained afterbirth or ketosis, more likely.

Signs to watch for

Common signs include:

• Trembling, stiff legs or a wobbly walk
• Not eating and not chewing the cud
• Lying on the chest, unable to rise, often with the head turned to the flank
• Cold ears and legs
• Dry nose, dull eyes and drowsiness
• Bloating or constipation

Not every animal shows every sign. An animal lying flat on her side is in a late, dangerous stage and can bloat and die.

Which lab tests help

Milk fever is an emergency, and your vet will usually act on the signs without waiting for results. If your vet takes a blood sample before starting care, it can still confirm the problem later. Calcium Total measures blood calcium, and Ionised Calcium measures the active part that nerves and muscles use.

Low phosphorus and low magnesium can occur at the same time and can explain an animal that stays down or trembles. The Mineral Profile (Calcium, Phosphorus & Magnesium) checks all three, or your vet may ask for Phosphorus and Magnesium, Serum alone. For an animal that has been down for long, CPK (Creatine Phospho Kinase) can show muscle damage from lying down.

For herds with repeated cases, the Dairy Cow Metabolic Profile typically checks minerals and other markers in animals around calving; the exact list is confirmed when you book.

A registered veterinarian interprets every result together with the animal's signs and history. The lab confirms the method, sample needs and reporting time when you book.

When to see your vet

Call a vet at once if a cow or buffalo near calving trembles, staggers or cannot get up. Milk fever can kill within hours, so do not wait for lab results. Older, high-yielding animals and those that have had milk fever before need close watching around calving. Ask your vet about prevention for animals close to calving.

Testing in Bhopal

Pashupatinath Vet Lab is at C-200, C Sector, Shahpura, Bhopal, and collects samples free anywhere in Bhopal. From other districts, samples can come by courier, by bus parcel or through your local vet; the lab coordinates by phone or WhatsApp on +91 88175 01118. Reports are shared on WhatsApp, by e-mail and in My Reports on the website.