A Downer's cow is a cow that lies down for more than 24 hours and cannot get up due to hypocalcemia, or low calcium levels. Hypocalcemia is commonly caused by metabolic, traumatic, or toxic factors and results in prolonged recumbency and muscle damage. Treatment involves calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, and glucose supplementation to correct electrolyte imbalances and metabolic acidosis. Prevention focuses on proper nutrition, calving facilities, and herd management to reduce the risk of hypocalcemia in dairy cattle.

2.  A “Downer’s Cow” is a cow
that is laying down for more
than 24hrs & cannot get up.
 It is condition which occurs
in cattle usually following
hypocalcemia.
 It is characterised clinically
by prolonged recumbency.

4.  Metabolic (38% cases are
due to low Ca).
 Traumatic ( 25% cases are
due to nerve damage).
 Toxaemic (2ndry to mastitis,
retained placenta.
 Spinal cause.
 Genetic.

5.  Hypocalcemia causes traumatic
injuries due to spreading of hind legs.
 Increased level of serum glutamic
oxalacetic transaminase indicates
muscle damage.
 Hypocalcemia is also accompanied by
low level of Mg & P.
 Hypopotassaemia causes crawling of
cow.

6.  The disease occurs most
commonly in the first 2 or 3 days
after calving.
 Breeds of heavy milk producers
are most commonly affected.
 Many cases occurs concurrently
with Parturient Paresis.

7.  Affected cows either make no
effort or unable to stand.
 Loss of appetite.
 Tachycardia & arrhythmia may
occur in some cows.
 Proteinuria & marked protein urea
indicates extensive muscle
damage.

8.  Frequent attempts to
raise results in the cow
cowling or creeping.
 The hind legs are
extended on each side.
 In some cases marked
tendency to lateral
recumbency with head
drown back.

9.  Ca, P, Mg & glucose levels of
blood are below normal range.
 The levels of CPK & SGOT are
usually elevated.
 Increased CPK indicates
muscular damage.
 There may be fail to stand after
successive treatment with Ca.

10.  Use of solution containing K, Ca, Mg &
P has been recommended.

11.  Prevention lies in management- it
keeps the incident of Downer’s cow
less than 2%.
 A Potassium rich diet (legumes)
increases the risk of hypocalcemia.
 Feed appropriately PH balanced diet.
 Avoid slippery ground surface.

12.  Disease of Metabolism
( Garfield G. Duncan, M. D. )
 Merck Veterinary manual.
 Internet- www.aun.edu.eg.
▪www.tamworth.com.au.
▪www.milkproduction.com
▪www.agritech.tnau.ac.in