Despite low calcium levels not normally being a problem in dry cows, he has seen increasing levels throughout the year, resulting in increased probability of milk fever and retained cleansings.

And coupled with samples testing high for potassium, a known inhibiter of calcium absorption in dry cows, levels could be even lower.

"Potassium levels are testing as high as 6% on some farms, where they should only be 2%, which means actual available calcium is deficient in many herds," he says.

Source: fwi.co.uk