Effect of oral calcium bolus administration on milk production, concentrations of minerals and metabolites in serum, early-lactation health status, and reproductive performance of Holstein dairy cows

• Published in: New Zealand veterinary journal 2018-05, Vol.66 (3), p.132-137
• Main Authors: Jahani-Moghadam, M, Chashnidel, Y, Teimouri-Yansari, A, Mahjoubi, E, Dirandeh, E
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Blood mineral status; calcium; Calcium - administration & dosage; Calcium - pharmacology; Cattle - physiology; dairy cow; Diet; Dietary Supplements; Female; Health Status; Lactation; metabolic disorders; Milk - metabolism; milk yield; Minerals - blood; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; reproduction; Reproduction - physiology
• ISSN: 0048-0169; 1176-0710
• DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2018.1432427

AIMS: To determine the effects of oral Ca bolus administration in the early postpartum period of cows on milk yield and composition, blood metabolites, early-lactation health status, and reproductive performance. METHODS: Multiparous Holstein dry cows (n=66) with a mean parity of 3.1 (SD 0.35) were fed a diet with a positive dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) prior to calving. They were randomly assigned to receive no treatment (Control; n=33) or two oral Ca boluses (n=33, 45 g of Ca per bolus); one was administered immediately after calving (Day 0) and the second 24 hours (±30 minutes) later. Blood samples were collected at calving, and on Days 2 and 7 to determine concentrations in serum of Ca, P, Mg, glucose, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA). Milk yield was recorded daily and milk composition was determined weekly from calving until 28 day postpartum. Health and outcomes were determined during the first 30 days postpartum and reproductive outcomes to 180 days postpartum. RESULTS: Mean milk yields and composition over the first month of lactation were similar between cows in the two treatment groups (p>0.1). Mean concentrations of Ca in serum were not different between treatment groups on Day 0, but were higher on Day 2 for cows that received oral Ca boluses (1.77 (SE 0.07)) compared with Control cows (1.54 (SE 0.08)) (p=0.04). Concentrations in serum of P, Mg, glucose, NEFA and ΒHBA did not differ between treatment groups on any day of measurement. Fewer cows that received oral Ca were diagnosed with hypocalcaemia (total concentrations of Ca in serum