Article Title: METABOLIC DISEASES IN DAIRY ANIMALS: SILENT THIEVES OF MILK AND MONEY

Metabolic diseases such as milk fever, ketosis, fatty liver, downer cow syndrome, acidosis, grass tetany and post-parturient hemoglobinuria are among the costliest health problems of dairy animals. They occur mainly when the high-yielding animal cannot balance the sudden demand of milk synthesis with her intake of energy, minerals and other nutrients, especially during the transition period (three weeks before to three weeks after calving). Clinical cases are only the visible tip: subclinical forms reduce milk yield, fertility and immunity without obvious signs, and quietly drain farm income. Losses arise from reduced milk, treatment costs, culling, mortality, delayed conception and increased risk of mastitis, retained placenta and displaced abomasum. Most of these diseases are preventable through correct body condition at calving, balanced ration formulation, mineral supplementation, gradual feed changes, regular monitoring and timely treatment. This article explains the common metabolic diseases in simple language and gives practical prevention measures that farmers and field veterinarians can adopt to reduce economic loss.

Keywords: metabolic diseases, dairy cattle, transition period, milk fever, ketosis, prevention, economic loss, Metabolic Diseases in Dairy Animals