Effect of Calcium Supplementation in Early-Lactation Dairy Cattle

Abstract

In recent years, increased milk production per cow has contributed to a higher incidence of metabolic disorders associated with nutritional management, including feed quantity, composition and delivery methods. Hypocalcemia is one of the most common disorders occurring at the onset of lactation. This condition can adversely affect productive and reproductive performance and impair the animals' immune function. The objective of this trial was to evaluate changes in blood calcium concentration following the administration of a calcium-enriched liquid supplement under commercial development at the beginning of lactation. Preliminary results were obtained from eight dairy cattle: five first-calf heifers and three multiparous cows of the Argentine Holstein breed Argentine Holstein x Jersey  crosses. Blood samples were collected from all animals before treatment. The treated group received increasing amounts of the calcium-enriched liquid supplement for an 11-day period. Blood samples were then collected again from all eight animals. The preliminary findings indicated an increase in blood calcium concentrations among the supplemented cattle.