Ruminants
A few days before giving birth, many changes occur in the body of the cow. Hormonal changes prepare the animal’s body for birth and the start of breastfeeding.
After delivery, the cow must activate large amounts of calcium. When this process fails, the cow gets postnatal fever.
In addition, before and after calving, cows do not eat much and thus lose a large amount of fluids and electrolytes. These must be replenished, otherwise the cow weakens and becomes listless.