The effect of gestation and lactation on bone calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in dairy cows

A study was conducted to monitor changes in cortical bone mineral in the dairy cow in response to demands of lactation and pregnancy using rib bone biopsies in serial sampling. Sixteen Friesian cows from the University dairy herd were used to collect 9 samples during the lactation period and 5 samples during the dry period. The data were analysed using a split-plot design analysis of variance. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in cortical bone phosphorus concentrations in rib bone during the lactation period, but calcium concentrations in cortical bone were significantly (P < 0.05) higher at parturition and during the first 30 days of lactation compared to the next 30 days and between 90 and 120 days. Results reported here indicate that the cow resorbs cortical bone during the middle of the lactation period and not during the periparturient period as previously thought. Magnesium concentrations were also significantly (P < 0.05) higher at the beginning of lactation compared to some of the other sampling times, but cortical bone was significantly (P < 0.05) thinner at the beginning of lactation compared to several of the other sampling times. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in cortical bone Ca or Mg concentrations during the gestation period. Cortical bone P concentrations significantly (P < 0.05) decreased during the first 180 days, but significantly (P < 0.05) increased at 181-230 days and significantly (P < 0.05) decreased again at 231 days to term. Cortical bone thickness decreased significantly (P < 0.05) from the beginning of gestation to term. There were no significant (P > 0.05) differences in cortical bone thickness or Ca or Mg concentrations in cortical bone during the dry period, but cortical bone P concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) greater at the end of the dry period compared to the first 30 days of the period. In general, cortical bone Ca and Mg values decreased as milk production increased up to 20 kg/day and cortical bone P values and bone thickness increased. In animals producing over 20 kg/day, however, cortical bone mineral values were greater and cortical bone thickness was lower compared to those animals producing less than 20 kg.