Abstract
AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate parameters for the prediction of peripartum hypocalcemia in cattle. The study consisted of two independent investigations (A and B) conducted in different time periods and locations. Blood sera were analyzed for the activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the concentration of ionized (iCa), and total calcium (Ca) two weeks before calving. On the day of calving, urinary net acid/base excretion was calculated, and the serum Ca concentration was analyzed. Ca concentration less than 2 mmol/l on the day of calving was defined as hypocalcemia. The results differed between the two investigations. Part A showed high predictive values for the antepartum parameters ALP and Ca concentration, but these could not be replicated in part B. Animals enrolled were quite young (average age 5.5 years) and the group of animals with hypocalcemia was comparably small in both investigations. The reason(s) for the different results in investigation A and B are not clear. These findings indicate that there are probably as yet unidentified parameters and influences on calcium homeostasis in cattle. None of the parameters investigated in the present study can be considered a reliable universal parameter for prediction of hypocalcemia risk in general.
Published Version
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