Springer cows benefit from 3 weeks of preferential treatment prior to calving. In that time:
Avoid effluent paddocks (High potassium prior to calving = Milk Fever)
Ensure springers receive sufficient (but not too much) Magnesium daily
Through water, feed, or dusted are options
If you are unsure check with us
Ensure springers receive sufficient (up to 12 Kg DM for big girls!) feed and NOT TOO MUCH fresh / leafy grass. Ideal diets include:
~ 50% Pasture (Mature / stalky pasture)
~ 25% Hay / poor quality silage
~ 25% Meal or Maize Silage
Additional Calcium pre calving is OK providing you use:
Gypsum (Calcium Sulphate)
DCP/ MCP (Dicalcium Phosphate or Monocalcium Phosphate)
Use of ‘Ionophores’ is recommended – e.g Rumenox
Often Milk Fever becomes more of an issue several weeks into calving as farmers become distracted with the day-to-day operation of the farm AND springers having access to faster growing ‘leafy’ pastures, so remain vigilant as you progress through calving
Remember – Milk Fever is a ‘gateway’ disease – responsible for many other expensive animal health issues around calving.
As always, we’re here to help. Call us if you need further information.
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