Potential use of 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol for prevention of parturient paresis [Cows]

• Published in: Journal of dairy science 1979-06, Vol.62 (6), p.1009-1013
• Main Authors: Gast, D. R, Horst, R. L, Jorgensen, N. A, DeLuca, H. F
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Calcium - blood; Cattle; Dihydroxycholecalciferols - administration & dosage; Dihydroxycholecalciferols - blood; Dihydroxycholecalciferols - therapeutic use; Female; Hydroxycholecalciferols - therapeutic use; Injections, Intramuscular; Parturient Paresis - prevention & control; Phosphorus - blood; Pregnancy
• ISSN: 0022-0302; 1525-3198
• DOI: 10.3168/jds.s0022-0302(79)83364-0

Twelve cows, at least third parity, were assigned randomly to either a control or treatment group. Treated cows received .4 mg of the vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol intramusculary in 5 ml corn oil. Intramuscular injections were started 5 days before predicted calving with reinjections every 5 days until calving. Incidence of parturient paresis was 0 and 33% (2 of 6) in the treated and control groups. Response to treatment was rapid with elevated calcium in serum approximately 12 h postinjection. Treatment maintained or elevated calcium and phosphorus concentrations in serum during the critical period, 24 h pre- to 48 h postpartum, when milk fever is most likely to occur. There was, however, no significant difference between treatments at 72 h postpartum. Based on these observations 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol holds promise as a preventative of parturient paresis; however, further studies are needed on application and safety.