Milk fever

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Milk fever is a condition seen in dairy cows especially as they begin heavy lactation. During this time, many dairy cows cannot adapt to the large amounts of calcium being released into milk. This temporary lowered level of calcium in the blood is referred to as milk fever. It is also known as hypocalcemia or parturient paresis. Signs of this condition can include muscle tremors, suppressed appetite and unsteadiness. Often, this can be observed 48-72 hours prior to calving although it can also occur later in lactation.