Event that predisposes cows to laminitis

• A. Calving
• B. Weaning
• C. Breeding
• D. Dry-off

Answer: (A)

Laminitis in dairy cows is most strongly linked to the transition period around calving. At this time, the demand for energy for milk production spikes dramatically, and intake often can’t keep up, leading to negative energy balance. The cow then mobilizes fat, raising circulating non-esterified fatty acids and ketones, and develops insulin resistance and a surge of inflammatory mediators. Dietary shifts around calving can also promote ruminal acidosis and endotoxemia, fueling systemic inflammation. This inflammatory state and disrupted hoof blood flow make the laminae more vulnerable to damage, increasing the risk of laminitis. While other events like weaning, dry-off, or breeding involve stress, they don’t provoke the same acute metabolic and inflammatory changes seen around calving.