Research indicates calving problems
Research by Kite has shown that, on average, some 40 per cent of cows will suffer a problem after calving, including downer cows, displaced abomasums and milk fever.
It has been argued that calving intervals are being needlessly ‘stretched’ because cows suffer from a type of post-calving problem.
Tim Davies said: “Every time a cow has one of these problems the calving interval will be stretched. The immune system of the cow is often ignored during the dry cow period and this can lead to a number of health problems after calving.”
Mr Davies continued by stating a cow’s immune system could be reduced by up to 38 per cent in the run up to calving. Once calved, a cow’s immune system will begin to increase and kill off the bad bacteria.
“However, stress at or around calving can switch the immune system off much sooner and this means the lag time until switching back on much longer,” he added.
At this time, he said, stress could be caused by overcrowding or incorrectly moving cows around in the run up to calving.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
