Occurrence and Management of Milk Fever in Dairy Cows at Keraniganj, Dhaka

Abstract

Milk fever is a metabolic disorder that affects high-yielding dairy cows during the periparturient period and causes significant economic losses by reducing milk production, increasing treatment costs, and leading to other complications. This study was conducted in Keraniganj Upazila, Dhaka, from 25 August to 9 September 2025, to assess the occurrence, management, and other risk factors associated with milk fever in dairy cows in small- and medium-scale farms. A total of 36 dairy farms with 150 cows were evaluated using a structured questionnaire through face-to-face interviews. The study revealed that about 86.11% of the examined cows were affected by milk fever, with Kathaltali showing the highest incidence (83.87%). Multiparous cows and cows in 2nd to 3rd lactation showed the highest occurrence (58.06%); however, primiparous cows showed no cases of milk fever. The observed major clinical signs were inability to stand (45.2%) and loss of appetite (32.3%). Intravenous calcium borogluconate was administered, which has high efficacy with a 93.5% successful recovery rate. Additionally, cows receiving pre-calving calcium supplementation showed a lower occurrence rate (43.4%). So, milk fever was frequently observed in dairy cows, particularly in multiparous cows, especially those in the 2nd to 3rd lactation. According to the results, lactation stage and parity are the risk factors for milk fever prevalence. Intravenous calcium therapy showed a significant recovery rate; however, pre-calving calcium supplementation was associated with a lower recovery rate.

Res. Agric. Livest. Fish. Vol. 13, No. 1, April 2026: 65-78