Blood parameters of lactating cows fed calcium salts as energetic source

ABSTRACT

Background: The negative energetic balance of lactating cows that occurs during the few weeks postpartum shifts the hormonal profile of the animal. These alterations may lead to metabolic disturbance as ketosis and lipid infiltration. Hypocalcemia is another metabolic problem that occurs in the peripartum period, it is characterized by the reduction in blood levels of calcium (Ca2+) near birth. Blood parameters illustrates the nutritional status of milking cows. The serum levels of glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) and cholesterol are parameters that reveal liver condition and it is very important for the metabolism of milking cows. The objective of this study was to evaluate three additives in the form of a calcium salts on blood parameters of lactating cows.Materials, Methods & Results: Two Latin square 4x4 were used, whereas one comprehended of early lactation cows and the other of mid lactation cows. Animals of 2nd and 3rd parity were used only. Parity was distributed evenly among groups. The trial consisted of 4 groups with 4 treatments as follow T1 300 g of calcium acetate, T2 200 g of calcium propionate, T3 200 g of calcium salts of fatty acids, and T4 control without any calcium additive. Blood samples were collected for analysis of serial calcium, glucose, β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and cholesterol. The calcium levels were higher in T1 than T3 in early lactation. There was no significant difference of glucose levels between groups. Groups T1 and T2 had lower amounts of BHBA. Cholesterol was higher in T3 and T1 in the early lactation and just in T3 was higher in the mid lactation.[...]