Milk fever control in Danish dairy herds

The objective of the present study was to investigate the milk fever preventive strategies used by a representative group of Danish Milk Producers (MP). A telephone interview was performed in 1999. A total of 230 MPs were called and asked about how they prevented milk fever in the previous year. Three interviewers performed these interviews. The study was completed within 2 1/2 months. A total of 184 MP (80%) completed the telephone interview. Of these, 149 (81%) indicated to use an active effort to prevent milk fever. In the single animal, the preferred strategy was per oral drenching with calcium containing products around calving. The convenience of application of the product was the most decisive single factor. In groups of animals feeding strategies (preferably diets low in calcium) were prioritized. Management (for example preventing fat cows at calving) was used frequently as preventive tool against milk fever. The Danish MP uses internationally documented milk fever preventive strategies, but some empirical management factors seem to count as much as the scientific proven methods.