Influence of the combination of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and a diet negative in cation-anion difference on peripartal calcium homeostasis of dairy cows

Abstract

Around parturition, many dairy cows experience varying degrees of hypocalcemia, which increases the incidence of several diseases in early lactation. In the current study, an established concept of feeding a diet negative in cation-anion difference (DCAD) was combined with oral supplementation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (25-OHD(3)) from d 270 of gestation until parturition. Fifty-six dairy cows were divided into 2 feeding groups (low DCAD and control). Fourteen animals of each group received a daily dosage of 3mg of 25-OHD(3). From the beginning of the treatment to d 10 after parturition, plasma samples for analysis of 25-OHD(3), 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3), parathyroid hormone (PTH), Ca(2+), phosphate, the bone resorption marker CrossLaps, and osteocalcin were collected every other day, at calving, and at 6, 12, and 24h after calving. Urine samples for determination of macrominerals and measures of acid-base status were collected on d 6 of treatment and on d 6 after calving. The induction of a compensated metabolic acidosis by the animals on the DCAD diet could be demonstrated by decreased urinary pH. A linear correlation between treatment duration and the plasma concentration of 25-OHD(3) indicated effective absorption of 25-OHD(3) in supplemented animals. The mean plasma concentrations of Ca(2+) from d -4 prepartum to d 4 postpartum were significantly higher in animals treated with the combination of the low DCAD diet and 25-OHD(3) supplementation (1.24±0.02 mmol/mL) compared with the 3 other groups (low DCAD: 1.17±0.02 mmol/mL; control diet plus 25-OHD(3): 1.16±0.02 mmol/mL; control diet: 1.18±0.02 mmol/mL). We postulate that the increased tissue responsiveness to parathyroid hormone induced by the low DCAD is crucial for the observed positive effects of the 25-OHD(3) treatment.

Effect of feeding 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 with a negative cation-anion difference diet on calcium and vitamin D status of periparturient cows and their calves

“…Supplementing peripartum dairy cows with 25-(OH)D 3 when fed an anionic diet increased plasma Ca concentrations in the peripartum period (Wilkens et al, 2012), but had no effect when supplemented with a diet containing a positive DCAD (Taylor et al, 2008). Anionic diets increase the conversion of 25-(OH)D 3 to 1,25(OH) 2 D 3 (Goff et al, 1991); however, in the Wilkens et al (2012) study, only a mild compensated acidosis was achieved based on urine pH. We hypothesized that supplementing 25-(OH)D 3 to cows fed an anionic diet that induced a substantial metabolic acidosis would enhance Ca status of peripartum cows and reduce the prevalence of clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia.…”

Chemical Composition of Saline Sources as Suppliers of Minerals for Ruminants

“…Potassium is an element to be considered in the prenatal stage, when supplementation of anionic diets can be a strategy to reduce the incidence of metabolic and nutritional disorders (Wilkens et al, 2012).…”

Suplemento mineral aniônico para vacas no periparto: parâmetros sanguíneos, urinários e incidência de patologias de importância na bovinocultura leiteira

“…Como método eficaz e relativamente simples para evitar tais, tem sido proposto o fornecimento de sal ou suplemento mineral aniônico nas últimas semanas que antecedem o parto para um balanceamento cátion-ânion dietético (BCAD) negativo (Wilkens et al 2012).…”