Post-calving metabolic disorders pose management and economic frustrations to dairy producers. Minimizing post-calving disorders is crucial for making a smooth transition from the dry and transition phases to a productive lactation. Prevention of post-calving metabolic disorders begins with sound dry and transition cow nutritional programs and management practices, which include providing a clean, dry calving area and minimizing post-calving stress. Economic Impact The costs of post-calving metabolic disorders can be significant when one considers treatment costs, labor costs associated with treating the animal, and the subsequent losses in milk production and reproductive efficiency that can occur. Consider the economic impact of these disorders based upon work conducted at Cornell University (Table 1).
 

Table 1 Economic Impact of Post-Calving Metabolic Disorders
	Milk Fever	Dystocia	Retained Placenta	Ketosis	Left Displaced Abomasum
Deaths, %	4	1	1.5	0.5	2
Culls, %	5	2.2	6	5	8
Delayed Conception, days	13	12	15	10	12
Discarded Milk, lb	0	352	330	0	308
Lost Milk, lb	286	392	550	506	880
Average Cost, $	181	161	206	151	312
Source: C. Guard, Cornell University, 1998.

Another consideration is the economic loss that can be compounded when the cow is subjected concurrently to numerous disorders. Consider this economic “domino effect:” a cow experiences dystocia which causes a retained placenta, leading to metritis, after which results in ketosis. The cow backs off feed, inducing a left displaced abomasum. Realistic Goals A Cornell University study pinpointed realistic goals for the incidence of post-calving metabolic disorders (Table 2). In this study involving 354 herds and 104,245 cows, numerous evaluations were compiled. This study helps provide insight to producers for setting realistic goals for the incidence of post-calving metabolic disorders.
 

Table 2 Realistic Goals for Incidences of Post-Calving Metabolic Disorders
Disorder	Realistic Goals*
Milk Fever	3-5%
Retained Placenta	5-7%
Metritis	5-7%
Ketosis	3-5%
Displaced Abomasum	3-5%
*Although these are realistic goals, endemic diseases, environmental constraints, feed quality, or other factors may prevent attaining the given goals. Source: W. S. Burnhans, Cornell University, 1999.

Records When dealing with post-calving metabolic disorders, record-keeping and stringent post-calving protocols are essential in proactively preventing the disorders. Remember the old adage, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Tracking the incidence of disorders can provide invaluable information to the herd nutritionist and veterinarian in devising prevention strategies. Often a producer may think a displaced abomasum is the primary problem when in fact it may be secondary to ketosis or retained placenta/metritis. Noting when the metabolic disorder occurs may help determine the cause. For example, consider the time sensitivity of ketosis. If ketosis occurs immediately after calving, it may be caused by subclinical milk fever; but, if it occurs two weeks post-calving, it may be due to metritis. Therefore, accurate records and post-calving monitoring of the cow can significantly minimize the adverse economic impact these disorders can have on a dairy operation. The Dairy Solutionsâ Team of experts can provide additional information on the causes, prevention, and treatment of post-calving disorders. For assistance, contact your local ADM Alliance Nutrition™ representative.