  Calcium (Ca) requirement increases tenfold upon parturition in dairy cows &
buffaloes and its deficiency leads to a condition called milk fever (MF).
Estimation of losses is necessary to understand the depth of the problem and
design preventive measures. How much is the economic loss due to MF? What will
be the efficiency gain if MF is prevented at the advent of a technology? We
answer these questions using survey data and official statistics employing
economic surplus model. MF incidence in sample buffaloes and cows was 19% and
28%, respectively. Total economic losses were calculated as a sum total of
losses from milk production, mortality of animals and treatment costs. Yearly
economic loss due to MF was estimated to be INR 1000 crores (US$ 137 million)
in Haryana. Value of milk lost had the highest share in total economic losses
(58%), followed by losses due to mortality (29%) and treatment costs (13%).
Despite lower MF incidence, losses were higher in buffaloes due to higher milk
prices and market value of animals. The efficiency gain accruing to producers
if MF is prevented, resulting from increased milk production at decreased costs
was estimated at INR 10990 crores (US$ 1.5 billion). As the potential gain if
prevented is around 10 times the economic losses, this study calls for the use
of preventive technology against MF.
