The effect of calcium supplementation on the economically important health parameters in a large dairy herd

Abstract

The aim of our study was to investigate the association of per os calcium supplementation with the occurrence of animal health disorders in a large Hungarian dairy herd. The treatment of cows consisted of two per os calcium boluses on the day after calving. The probability of insemination, culling, mastitis, uterine disorders, and lameness were compared in the treated (n=168) vs. control cows (n=136) within 60 days in milk. Data were analysed by logistic regression. Cows that received calcium boluses were 8.09-times more likely to be inseminated (P<0.0001) and 0.34-times less likely to be culled (P=0.001) within 60 days in milk. Treated cows had reduced odds of developing mastitis (odds ratio, OR=0.50, P=0.0387) and lameness (OR=0.15, P=0.005) compared to their control herdmates. Per os calcium boluses can improve animal health in early lactation in high producing dairy cattle.