Effect of serum calcium status at calving on survival, health, and performance of post-partum dairy cows and calves

Authors

  • A. Hunter Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
  • M. G. Maquivar Department of Animal Sciences, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164
  • S. Bas Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
  • T. A. Brick Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
  • W. P. Weiss Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
  • H. Bothe Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
  • J. Velez Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
  • G. M. Schuenemann Aurora Organic Dairy, Platteville, CO 80651

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro20143711

Keywords:

hypocalcemia, dystocia, fetal membrane, metritis, HYPO

Abstract

Holstein dairy cows experiencing hypocalcemia at calving are more likely to experience dystocia, retain fetal membranes, and develop metritis or displaced abomasum, which affect survival, milk yield, and fertility. However, limited evidence is available in the literature about the effect of hypocalcemia (HYPO) of dams at calving on survival and health of calves. The objective was to assess the effect of clinical and subclinical HYPO (>8 mg/dL) at calving on survival, health, and performance of lactating dairy cows and calves.

Cover image of the 47th Conference Proceedings: An image of a herd of cattle in a field at dusk. Three cows are standing in the foreground, looking adorable. Yellow background.

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Published

2014-09-18

Issue

2014

Section

Research Summaries 2

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