Association of subclinical hypocalcemia dynamics on dry-matter intake, milk yield, and plasma mineral status during the periparturient period

Abstract

Subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) affects many high-producing dairy cows in the postpartum period. Recent work has shown that cows experiencing prolonged or delayed SCH are at increased risk for disease and produce less milk than cows experiencing a transient reduction or normal concentrations of plasma Ca. Our objective was to determine the association between the dynamics of SCH with pre- and postpartum dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield, and plasma mineral concentrations.