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Ruminants diseases, symptoms and prevention

Ruminants diseases, symptoms and prevention

Effective herd management requires a comprehensive understanding of the metabolic and infectious challenges that commonly impact ruminants, particularly during the high-stress transition period around calving. This group of critical disorders includes nutritional imbalances such as ketosis, which stem from rumen dysfunction and negative energy balances, as well as milk fever, a condition caused by acute calcium deficiency. Physical and reproductive complications, including displaced abomasum, retained placenta, and the subsequent uterine infection metritis, further threaten animal health and longevity. Additionally, infectious or acute conditions like bovine mastitis and the life-threatening hemorrhagic bowel syndrome can lead to significant economic losses through reduced milk quality and sudden mortality.

Bovine mastitis

⇒ Bovine mastitis

is a widespread and costly disease in dairy cows, characterized by inflammation of the mammary gland. It affects milk production and quality, animal health, and farm profitability. Early detection and proper management are vital to control this disease and maintain a healthy herd.

Ketosis

⇒ Ketosis

is a metabolic state characterized by elevated levels of ketone bodies in the blood, milk, or urine. These ketone bodies (mainly beta-hydroxybutyrate -BHBA-, acetoacetate, and acetone) are produced when the cow’s body breaks down fat for energy due to insufficient glucose availability. Ketosis typically occurs during the transition period, in particular at the onset of milk production when energy demands are highest.

Milk fever

⇒ Milk fever

(also known as periparturient hypocalcemia) is a common metabolic disorder affecting dairy cows around the time of calving. It is characterized by a sudden drop in blood calcium levels, which can lead to muscle weakness, paralysis, and in severe cases, death if not promptly treated.

Retained placenta

⇒ Retained placenta

is a common postpartum disorder in dairy cows, occurring when the fetal membranes are not expelled within 24 hours after calving. This condition can lead to serious complications such as uterine infections, reduced fertility, and decreased milk production.

Displaced abomasum

⇒ Displaced abomasum (DA)

is a common digestive disorder in dairy cows, particularly affecting high-producing cows in the early postpartum period. It occurs when the abomasum, the cow’s fourth stomach compartment, moves from its normal position to the left or right side of the abdomen

Hemorrhagic bowel syndrome

⇒ Hemorrhagic bowel syndrome

is a severe and often fatal intestinal disorder affecting high-producing dairy cows. It is characterized by sudden onset of intestinal obstruction and hemorrhage, leading to rapid deterioration of the animal’s health. HBS poses a significant challenge to dairy farmers due to its acute nature and high mortality rate.

Metritis

⇒ Metritis

is a common postpartum uterine infection affecting dairy cows, typically occurring within the first two weeks after calving. This condition can severely impact reproductive performance, milk production, and overall herd health. Preventing metritis is essential for maintaining dairy farm profitability and animal welfare.

Clostridiosis

⇒ Clostridiosis

is a dangerous bacterial disease affecting dairy cows, caused by Clostridium species such as Clostridium perfringens. This infection can lead to severe digestive disturbances, sudden illness, and even death, causing significant economic losses in dairy farming.