Incidência de hipocalcemia em vacas leiteiras e sua relação com doenças secundárias na região noroeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul

Hypocalcemia, also known as milk fever, is one of the main metabolic-nutritional diseases that affect dairy cows, especially in the transition period. This condition, in addition to directly impacting milk production, is associated with the emergence of secondary diseases, such as metritis, retained placenta and dystocia, which result in significant economic losses for producers. The present study aimed to analyze the incidence of hypocalcemia on dairy farms in the northwest region of Rio Grande do Sul and investigate the predisposition of animals to the development of secondary diseases. The study was carried out in partnership with a veterinary technical consultancy company in the northwest region of RS, which provided data on care for hypocalcemia and secondary diseases diagnosed between 2022 and 2023. Data on hypocalcemia and secondary diseases were also included in the study. of three rural properties, which focus on dairy farming. Data analysis allowed us to conclude that hypocalcemia is common in dairy herds in the region and is commonly associated with the development of secondary diseases, mainly metritis, retained placenta and mastitis. The occurrence of these conditions was observed mainly in the first 90 days postpartum.