Evaluation of a cow-side calcium test for determination of subclinical hypocalcemia in early postpartum cows

Authors

  • E. Spronk Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
  • B. Stampfl Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108
  • G. Cramer Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20153582

Keywords:

hypocalcemia, dairy cattle, milk production, ionized calcium, postpartum disease

Abstract

Clinical hypocalcemia is an important and prevalent metabolic disease of dairy cows. Subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) has been defined as animals that do not have clinical signs, but serum concentrations of either total calcium <2.2 mmol/L or ionized calcium (iCa) <1 mmol/L. Recent work has shown that SCH in the first week of lactation is associated with reduced milk production and increased risk of displaced abomasum. Currently, various calcium products are marketed to maintain blood calcium levels. A rapid cow-side iCa test would allow targeted treatment of cows with SCH. The primary objective was to evaluate the performance of a new cow-side blood calcium meter for test characteristics and usability in the field. Additionally, we aimed to describe the relationship of SCH at different time points with postpartum diseases, including hoof lesions.

Cover image of the 48th Conference Proceedings: An image of Dr. Fred Gingrich II dressed in a red shirt and overalls and standing in front of dairy cows in a barn interior. Yellow background.

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Published

2015-09-17

Issue

2015

Section

Research Summaries 2

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