Abstract
This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of administering a pasty calcium product (PCa, main component Calcium propionate) on postparturient hypocalcemia in dairy cows. In the treatment group, PCa was administered p.o. to the cows before calving (1st dose) and 12 hours later (2nd dose). Blood samples were collected 3 days before expected calving, just before the 2nd dose (12 hours later in the control group), and 1, 2, and 3 days after calving. The incidence of hypocalcemia was 29.4% and 44.4% in the treatment group and the control group respectively. The number of animals treated for hypocalcemia was also less in the treatment group. The total serum calcium concentration declined in both groups post parturition, but its recovery was more rapid in the treatment group than in the control group. No adverse response associated with PCa administration was observed. The results demonstrate that this calcium product is effective in safely preventing postparturient hypocalcemia.
