Effect of prophylactic calcium supplementation on regulators of calcium homeostasis in multiparous Holstein cows

Abstract

Post-parturient subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) in dairy cows, a common metabolic disease which arises from the increased calcium demands of early lactation, has been associated with decreased milk production and negative health outcomes. Our objective was to determine how postpartum calcium supple­mentation methods, and the timing of their administration, affect blood calcium concentrations and regulators of calcium homeostasis, specifically parathyroid hormone and calcitonin.