Milk fever is also a metabolic disorder. It occurs around parturition when milk secretion initiates and requires large amounts of calcium. Animals that are high milk producers like dairy goats or those that have been underfed or even overfed diets high in calcium-to-phosphorus ratio at the latter part of pregnancy may exhibit this problem. Blood calcium levels drop and animals become hypocalcemic. Animals also become stiff, will lie down, and will be unable to hold their head. Calcium is needed for muscle contraction. Injection of calcium gluconate is advisable at this time. Also make sure to treat her for ketosis as mentioned above and start her on calcium replacement. To prevent, avoid feeding a high Ca:P ratio diet 3 to 4 weeks before parturition.

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