We have assisted several downer cows.

The most likely reason for a cow go down is trauma. This could be post-calving, a metabolic issue (such as milk fever) or a disease such as mastitis or metritis. In Tanzania, many soils lack enough phosphorus as well which means that the pasture growing on it, has got a lack of phosphorus as well.

The initial cause of the downer cow will be resolved, yet the animal still won’t stand. This failure to rise is usually observed within 24 hours of the cow going down, as a result of muscle and nerve damage.

This damage occurs because a cow going off its feet results in heavy pressure on its muscles and nerves, this is made worse in many diseases by the cow being unable to shift position to prevent continuous bearing of weight.

Treatment

Downer cows are often hypocalcemic. If an apparently hypocalcemic cow does not respond to calcium therapy, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium should be given as additional treatments.

With our phosphorus boost bolus, we have been able to assist several farmers and their cows. Because of the rapid response created by this bolus, the cows were able to stand up again within 24 hours.