Which is a key mineral in preventing milk fever in dairy cows?

Calcium plays a crucial role in preventing milk fever, also known as hypocalcemia, in dairy cows, particularly around the time of calving. Milk fever occurs when there is a sudden drop in blood calcium levels as the demand for calcium increases to support milk production. During lactation, the amount of calcium required increases significantly, and if the cow cannot mobilize enough calcium from its body storage or absorb it efficiently from the diet, it can lead to milk fever.

Ensuring that dairy cows have adequate calcium available in their diet before and after calving is essential for preventing this condition. This can involve providing calcium-rich feeds or supplements to ensure that blood levels remain sufficient to meet the demands of lactation.

While magnesium, sodium, and zinc are important minerals for overall health and nutrition in dairy cows, they do not directly address the prevention of milk fever as effectively as calcium does. Magnesium is involved in many physiological processes and can play a supportive role in maintaining calcium levels but is not the primary mineral responsible for preventing milk fever. Therefore, it is calcium that is the key mineral for preventing this condition.