Calcium redistribution into subcutaneous fat at parturition in the dairy cow

Blood samples and subcutaneous fat biopsies from six dairy cows at -14, 0, 14, and 28 days of parturition were analyzed to test the hypothesis that movement of calcium into subcutaneous fat contributes to hypocalcemia of parturient paresis. Plasma and subcutaneous fat calcium decreased while plasma free fatty acids increased at parturition. No trends were significant in magnesium or total lipid content of subcutaneous fat. Calcium content of subcutaneous fat was related positively to calcium concentration in plasma.