Hypokalemia in cattle
28 February 2023
By Jolan Lemmens
Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient in animal nutrition as it plays a crucial part in metabolism. Among other things, it is involved in the function of nerves and muscles, the regulation of the acid-base balance in the body, in maintaining the water balance, and the regulation of the heartbeat. Besides calcium and phosphorus, it is the third most common mineral in the cow’s body, making up 5% of the total mineral content of the body [1]. A deficiency of potassium can cause impaired growth, muscular weakness, and decreased feed intake [2]. In this article, we will explore the symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of hypokalemia in dairy cows.
What is hypokalemia in cattle?
Hypokalemia occurs when blood potassium levels in the cow are low. When the serum potassium concentration is between 2.5 and 3.5 mmol/L we talk about moderate hypokalemia, when it is less than 2.5 mmol/L the hypokalemia is severe [3,4]. Potassium doesn’t get stored in the cow’s body, which is why they need their daily amount of potassium from the forage. Normally, hypokalemia in cows is rare because cows' rations usually contain sufficient potassium [5]. Lactating dairy cows may even eat more than ten times their daily potassium requirement. To cope with this excess potassium, cattle have a well-developed renal excretory system [6]. However, hypokalemia is a condition that can have serious consequences if left untreated. Severe cases can still lead to the death of the animal.
What causes hypokalemia in cattle?
A study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that the cases of hypokalemia tended to be concentrated in the first 45 days of lactation [7] while another study mentioned 60 days [8]. In general younger cows seem to be more at risk than older cows [3]. Hypokalemia can be cause by multiple factors:
Inadequate dietary intake: as mentioned before, dairy cows have an excellent system to get excessive potassium out of the body. However, when the intake of potassium stops it takes this system a while to adapt and lower the excretion of potassium. During this time the body keeps excreting large amounts of potassium, thus potentially causing a deficiency. This is why anorectic cows often have moderate hypokalemia [7,8]. Adult cows with a prolonged inappetence (+2 days) have a higher risk of developing hypokalemia [6]. This means that sick cows often develop hypokalemia.
Medications: hypokalemia in dairy cows usually develops as a secondary disease, after other conditions such as ketosis, inappetence, and diarrhea. It is hypothesized that severe hypokalemia can be caused by multiple factors around the treatment of ketosis [8]. Potassium excretion in the kidneys can be increased by the use of some corticosteroids with mineralocorticoid effect. A study on ten cows with hypokalemia showed that all cows had undergone treatment against ketosis with isoflupredone acetate. Multiple dosing decreases plasma concentration of potassium values by 70 to 80% [7,8]. The administration of glucose can also cause a hypokalemic state and some diuretic drug like furosemide, used after a urinary obstruction, have a likewise effect. Lastly, multiple treatments of dextrose and insulin are also considered a risk factor [6].
Excessive potassium loss: Cattle can lose potassium through urine, feces, or sweat. If they are losing more potassium than they are taking in, they may develop hypokalemia. Researchers at the University of Florida discovered a link between heat stress and potassium loss, with cows that stayed in the shade losing five times less potassium than the group of cows that had no shade. Heat-stressed cows also ate less during the daytime, thus also reducing the potassium intake [9].
Symptoms of hypokalemia?
The first sign of hypokalemia is often a reduced feed intake. Other symptoms are also rarely attributed to hypokalemia alone. This is why hypokalemia should always be considered in the diagnosis of weak and recumbent cows. Symptoms include the following [1,6,8,10,11]:
- Recumbency and downer cow syndrome
- Muscular weakness
- Abnormal neck posture (S-shaped neck)
- Stiffness
- Nervous disorders
- Tachycardia (faster heart rate)
- Abnormal electrocardiograms
- Decreased milk production
- Anorexia
- Little to no feces
- Mimicking colic (abdominal pain)
- Poor heat tolerance
![Hypokalemia in cattle: typical S-shape position of the neck [6]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Vu7lVhBLPogfJlqrj5IUGCk-b5DPNIZHr-HNt2vFwYcRGEmHumoh2uabds118tIk2_CRQE2l58qp8Cv9oNrQqOf5AwrX02W5p0g=w1500)
Treatment and prevention
Treatment of hypokalemia is preferably done through an oral administration of potassium chloride [7,8]. Since hypokalemia is often a secondary disease it is crucial to note the importance of identifying the primary disease and the following nursing care of it.
Prevention should happen for animals at risk, like cows that aren’t eating well due to calving, illness or surgery, cows with recurrent ketosis and cows receiving more than one injection of corticosteroids with mineralocorticoid effect. Just like the treatment an oral potassium supplement is the preferred method [6].
Resco’s potassium bolus
Resco developed a fast-release potassium bolus to reduce the risk of hypokalemia in cattle. Two Kalitop boluses (in one application) contain 70 grams of potassium from potassium chloride (KCl). Read all about the potassium bolus on the product page.
Sources
- Potassium in Animal Nutrition. (1997). Better Crops, 82(3).
- Tizioto, P. C. et.al. (2014). Calcium and potassium content in beef: Influences on tenderness and associations with molecular markers in Nellore cattle. Meat Science, 96(1), 436–440.
- Hypokalemia in Adult Cattle - Metabolic Disorders - MSD Veterinary Manual, n.d.)
- Hypokaliémie de La Vache Laitière : Réévaluer La Kaliémie 12 Heures Après Le Traitement, n.d.
- Johns, I.C. et.al. (2004). Hypokalaemia as a cause of recumbency in an adult dairy cow, Australian Veterinary Journal, vol. 82, no. 7, pp. 413-416.
- Sattler, N., & Fecteau, G. (2014). Hypokalemia Syndrome in Cattle. Veterinary Clinics of North America-food Animal Practice, 30(2), 351–357.
- Peek, S. F., Divers, T. J., Guard, C., Rath, A. P., & Rebhun, W. C. (2000). Hypokalemia, muscle weakness, and recumbency in dairy cattle. Veterinary Therapeutics, 1(4), 235–244.
- Sielman, E. S., Sweeney, R. W., Whitlock, R. H., & Reams, R. Y. (1997). Hypokalemia syndrome in dairy cows: 10 cases (1992-1996). Javma-journal of The American Veterinary Medical Association, 210(2), 240–243.
- Mallonee, P. G., Beede, D., Collier, R. J., & Wilcox, C. M. (1985). Production and Physiological Responses of Dairy Cows to Varying Dietary Potassium During Heat Stress. Journal of Dairy Science, 68(6), 1479–1487.
- Dennis, R., & Hemken, R. (1978). Potassium Requirements of Dairy Cows in Early and Midlaction. Journal of Dairy Science.
- Make Sure Cows Get Enough Early Lactation Potassium - Progressive Dairy, n.d.
Share with friends:
21 March 2025
Thank you VIV Asia 2025
Resco thanks everyone who visited Resco's booth during VIV Asia.
16 January 2025
Vitamins and trace elements during the dry period
When we talk about the dry period, we don’t mean cutting out alcohol during the increasingly popular “Dry January”. We mean the period between the last milking and the next calving, during which the nutrient requirements are reduced. However, this doesn’t mean that these cows should be neglected.
16 December 2024
Easing pain in cows with a tree leaf
For centuries, natural products have been used as medicinal remedies to address both human and animal illnesses. In this essay we focus on the effect of white willow on pain in cows, known for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
18 November 2024
Exhibitions everywhere? Resco everywhere!
How time passes fast when you're having fun! Resco presented it's products on exhibitions in France, Germany and Rwanda!
22 May 2024
Jolan on tour in Southeast Europe
Jolan Lemmens, our adventurous Business Development Manager, recently embarked on a whirlwind tour of Romania, Bulgaria, and Serbia
23 January 2024
Trace elements for calves
Ensuring a high-quality and balanced feed for calves is of great importance in fostering their healthy growth and development. In this article, we look at the role and importance of trace elements for calves.
12 December 2023
Bringing Resco boluses to Bangladesh!
Resco recently embarked on an enlightening journey to Bangladesh. Our destination? The AHCAB International Expo. Our mission? To explore new opportunities, foster partnerships, and witness the local dairy farming sector firsthand.
9 November 2023
Hoof problems in dairy cows: the influence of biotin on hoof health
The importance of maintaining optimal hoof health in dairy cows cannot be overstated, as it directly influences their well-being, productivity, and overall profitability. This article underscores the critical role of proper nutrition. Let's look at the influence of biotin on hoof health.
4 September 2023
Propolis, the natural 'sting' operation against microbes!
Sustainable farming needs innovative solutions. Bee-made propolis offers promise for eco-friendly cattle farming. Discover the secrets of propolis on our blog.
23 August 2023
Resco visits SPACE in France
Between September 12 and 14, the Resco team will be present at the SPACE exhibition in Rennes, France.
2 May 2023
Study on the effectiveness of Calcitop
Calcium boluses come in many shapes and formulas. Calcitop contains not only calcium, but also phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D3. This formula ensures an optimal prevention of milk fever in cattle. A study published in 2021 studied the effect of Calcitop compared to two other calcium boluses.
2 May 2023
Resco showcases boluses and tablets in the USA and Thailand
During the first quarter of 2023 Resco exhibited their boluses and tablets in the USA and in Bangkok.
16 January 2023
New year, new bolus!
Prevent subclinical milk fever the way nature intended it by stimulating the calcium mobilization from the bones.
5 January 2023
Natural alternatives to antibiotics in cows: how garlic extracts keep the udder healthy
Garlic extracts are known for their antibacterial properties and are widely used as a natural alternative to antibiotics in cows. Read how our boluses Mammitop and Mammitop Clinic support udder health in dairy cows.
29 November 2022
Results of Ketotop trial in China
A trial was done on a Chinese dairy farm to test the influence of the boluses on the occurrence of ketosis. Read the results on this blog.
26 October 2022
How beta-carotene helps to improve the success rate of insemination in cows
With fertility of lactating dairy cows decreasing over the last decades, success at the first insemination is becoming more important. Fertitop has proven to increase the success rate of insemination. One of the active ingredients that improve fertility is beta-carotene. But how does it do that?
13 September 2022
New bolus for adult cattle: the potassium bolus!
Resco launches it's newest bolus Kalitop. One application provides 70 grams of potassium to prevent or cure hypokalemia.
17 August 2022
Resco presented its effervescent tablets for poultry in Brazil
Resco presented its effervescent tablets for poultry to the South American market during SIAVS in São Paulo, Brazil. We are happy to say that our effervescent tablets caught the attention of some very interesting people and we're ready to go to the next step in Brazil.
4 July 2022
New bolus: enertop
Resco launches it's newest bolus: Enertop is a fast-acting cattle supplement designed to provide cattle with fast energy against a negative energy balance around calving or whenever needed.
10 June 2022
Thank you for visiting us at VIV Europe!
Visitors from all corners of the world found their way to our booth at VIV Utrecht a week ago. We want to thank everyone for the interesting conversations we had about our boluses and tablets.
11 May 2022
Meet us at VIV Europe in the Netherlands
Resco will have a booth at VIV Europe from 31/05 to 02/06 in Utrecht, The Netherlands. We welcome you to meet us, without a blurred background!
28 February 2022
Trial Mammitop Clinic bolus
In this trial the Mammitop Clinic bolus from Resco is tested by the International University of Andalucía, Sevilla, Spain.
24 January 2022
46% more weight gain for your calves!
Read our blog to find out the great results of the trial with Tracetop Junior, a mineral and vitamin bolus for older calves.
22 December 2021
Happy holidays from Resco
Winter has started in Belgium and that means it is time to wrap up 2021. We want to thank everyone that contributed to a successful year and look forward to what is coming in 2022. Let’s see what happened in the last 12 months.
29 November 2021
VIV MEA: Resco is finally present at exhibitions again
We want to thank everyone who took out their time to meet and talk to us at VIV Middle East and Africa.
29 November 2021
A Hungarian university study on the effect of our calcium bolus
A study was performed by the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest on a Hungarian farm from May to June 2019. This study compared 168 cows that received two Calcitop boluses the day after calving to 136 cows that calved in the same period a year earlier (May to June 2018).
29 October 2021
Visit us at VIV MEA
From November 23th to November 25th Resco will be exhibiting at VIV Middle East and Africa in Abu Dhabi. If you plan to visit the exhibition, come meet us at booth 08.K054!
29 October 2021
Results of the Mammitop Small bolus on milk sheep
A trial was conducted on Mammitop Small at the University of Leon in Spain. 52 sheep received a Mammitop Small bolus and 53 sheep were in the control group. The trial looked at the evolution of milk production, cheese production, somatic cell count, and urea in milk.
30 September 2021
Trials showing the effect of Fertitop bolus on pregnancy in dairy cows
It is very important for the profitability of a cattle farm that the animals become pregnant and give birth to a calf every year. The aim of our fertility bolus Fertitop is to support the preparation of the cow for oestrus and reproduction. This article shows you the results of 2 trials.
23 September 2021
Cryptotop becomes Coxicryptop
We have changed the name of Cryptotop to better reflect it's purposes
2 September 2021
A new look for Resco!
You might have noticed some changes if you already visited our website the last few days: Resco has a new look. Out with the old, in with the new! Let's walk you through the changes.
30 July 2021
The effects of essential oils in Cryptotop on coccidia
Natural feed supplements such as essential oils are becoming more popular as alternatives in animal production. In line with the growing attention, Resco is creating a range of phytotherapeutic boluses.
29 July 2021
Calf coccidiosis
When rearing calves, farmers strive for regular growth of their animals. This can only be achieved when the calves get enough food and when farmers ensure that the animals remain healthy. A common, yet underexposed, problem to the calves’ health is calf coccidiosis.
22 June 2021
Probably the best calcium bolus in the world
Resco improved the formula of its calcium bolus to provide a higher amount of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and Vitamin D3 making it probably the best calcium bolus in the world.
25 May 2021
Discover our newest product: Aspitop
Resco is proud to introduce yet again a new product. After lasts month's Efferfizz, we now launch Aspitop!
19 April 2021
Resco introduces Efferfizz for calf rehydration
Recently, the immensely popular Effydral went off the market and Resco went to great lengths in order to come up with an alternative. We are very proud to present our newest product, Efferfizz.
29 March 2021
Milk fever in cows: everything you need to know, including 2023 update
Milk fever in cows comes with huge economical consequences. Click here to learn everything about hypocalcemia and keep up to date with the most recent research!
22 January 2021
33 benefits of trace minerals for cattle and why you should supplement them
Supplementation of the necessary trace minerals improves the overall well-being of cattle. But what exactly do all these minerals contribute to cattle? To give you an idea of the necessity of trace minerals for cattle we summarized the benefits of copper, cobalt, selenium, zinc, and iodine.
22 January 2021
Trial comparing High Trace mineral bolus for weight gain in cattle
The importance of weight gain in cattle means they can be finished earlier. Find out about the stunning results of a study by Dr. John Southworth comparing Resco's High Trace mineral bolus with the competition.