Estimation of economic losses due to milk fever and efficiency gains if prevented: evidence from Haryana, India

Abstract

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$137million)inHaryana.Valueofmilklosthadthehighestshareintotaleconomiclosses(58$ 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.