Metabolic Responses of Transition Holstein Cows Fed Anionic Salts and Supplemented at Calving with Calcium and Energy

¹ College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610
² Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610
³ Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610
⁴ National Animal Disease Center, USDA-Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA 50010

The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations of plasma Ca, P, Mg, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), and glucose in transition cows fed anionic salts prepartum and provided with calcium and energy supplements at calving. The study was conducted on a Florida Holstein dairy farm from November to December 1997. Treatments consisted of no treatment (n = 30); 60 g of Ca as calcium chloride, orally (n = 30); 110 g of Ca as calcium propionate 510 g plus 400 g of propylene glycol, orally (n = 30); two doses of 60 g of Ca as calcium chloride, one at calving and the second 24 h later, orally (n = 30); and 10 g of Ca as borogluconate, intravenously (n = 30). Treatments were administered within 12 h after parturition. Blood samples were collected at d 1 (parturition), 2, 3, 6, 9, and 12 after calving. Plasma total Ca, P, Mg, NEFA, BHBA, and glucose were measured. There were no differences in the concentrations of the blood metabolites among treatments.

Key Words: blood metabolite • anionic salt • calcium-energy supplement • transition cow

Submitted on August 13, 2001
Accepted on December 5, 2001