Effects of Calcium Level on Hypocalcaetnia and Associated Conditions in Dairy Cattle Fed Acidic Diets in the Late Dry Period

Abstract

Recent research and field reports have shown a decreased incidence of milk fever and subclinical hypocalcemia when dairy cows are fed anionic salts. Researchers suggest feeding high levels of calcium when balancing for DCAD. Some producers have resisted adding more calcium to prepartum rations because of the fear it will cause more milk fever. The objective of this study was to determine if additional calcium supplementation is beneficial when feeding acidic rations prepartum. Two rations were compared with the same level of anionic salts, but different levels of calcium. From this study we are able to make some suggestions on calcium level and other aspects of using anionic salts to prevent milk fever.