Transition & Metabolic Health
Cows & Buffaloes
Retained Placenta After Calving — Nutritional Factors
Updated 08 Jul 2026 • By Falah Nutrition Desk, Animal Nutrition Advisor
A placenta not expelled within 12-24 hours of calving is considered retained, and it raises the risk of uterine infection, reduced fertility and lower milk production in the lactation ahead. Nutrition in the weeks before calving plays a real role in how likely this is to happen.
Common Signs
- Placental membranes still hanging or visible more than 12-24 hours after calving
- Foul-smelling discharge in the days following calving
- Reduced appetite and dullness after calving
- Delayed return to normal heat cycles in the following weeks
Possible Causes
- Poor transition-period nutrition weakening the uterine muscle response needed to expel the placenta
- Deficiencies in selenium, vitamin E or other trace minerals during the dry period
- Difficult or assisted calving increasing retention risk
- Twin calving or calving complications
- Over-conditioning or under-conditioning at calving
What the Farmer Should Check
- Was a proper transition/dry-period feed used in the weeks before calving?
- Did the cow receive a balanced mineral mixture through the dry period?
- Was the calving itself normal, or assisted/difficult?
- Is the placenta still present more than 24 hours after calving? This needs veterinary attention
Feed Guidance
Good transition nutrition in the 3 weeks before calving meaningfully reduces retained placenta risk. Feed GOKA Transition -21 through this window — it is formulated to support the mineral and energy needs that underlie normal uterine muscle function at calving. Ensure mineral mixture is fed consistently through the dry period, not skipped to save cost; trace mineral deficiency is a well-documented contributor to retained placenta. If the placenta has not passed within 24 hours, do not attempt to remove it yourself — this needs veterinary attention to avoid infection and long-term fertility damage.
Relevant GOKA Products
Pregnant Cows & Buffaloes (Dry Stage)
Healthy dry period, trouble-free calving
Pregnant Cows & Buffaloes
20 days of feeding, 300 days of benefits
When to Contact a Veterinary Doctor
For serious symptoms, consult a qualified veterinary doctor. Feed support can help overall nutrition and recovery but should not replace veterinary treatment.
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