Milk fever in dairy animal

India possesses one of the largest livestock populations in the world, with about 193.46 million cattle and 109.85 million buffaloes, which play a vital role in milk production and the livelihood of rural farmers (Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, 2022). However, dairy animals are often affected by several metabolic diseases, among which milk fever (parturient paresis) is one of the most common and important disorders. Milk fever usually occurs around the time of calving due to a sudden decline in blood calcium levels, particularly in high-producing cows and buffaloes. The disease is mainly associated with factors such as high milk yield, improper nutrition, mineral imbalance, and advanced lactation age. Affected animals commonly show signs such as weakness, muscle tremors, difficulty in standing, and recumbency, which may lead to serious complications if timely treatment is not provided. Diagnosis of milk fever is generally based on clinical symptoms, recent history of calving, and the animal’s response to calcium therapy.