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Summary
Higher calcium doses effectively treat hypocalcaemia (parturient paresis) in cattle. Treatments with 8g calcium were superior to 6.2g, with fewer relapses, and added magnesium showed no benefit.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hypocalcaemia, commonly known as parturient paresis or milk fever, is a metabolic disorder affecting cattle.
- It is characterized by low blood calcium levels, particularly around calving.
- Effective treatment is crucial for animal welfare and farm economics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of different intravenous calcium salt solutions for treating hypocalcaemia in cattle.
- To evaluate the impact of added magnesium on treatment outcomes.
- To assess the clinical and biochemical responses to varying calcium dosages.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 134 cases of hypocalcaemia in cattle across 72 herds in the UK and Eire.
- Intravenous administration of three different calcium salt solutions: two containing 8g calcium (one with added magnesium) and one containing 6.2g calcium.
- Monitoring of biochemical and clinical responses 24 hours post-treatment and assessment of relapse rates.
Main Results:
- Biochemical responses were similar across all tested calcium solutions 24 hours after treatment.
- Clinical responses to the 8g calcium solutions were significantly better than the 6.2g solution (P<0.02).
- A higher relapse rate (44%) was observed in cases treated with the 6.2g calcium solution. Added magnesium did not improve clinical outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous administration of 8g calcium is more effective for treating hypocalcaemia (parturient paresis) in cattle than 6.2g calcium.
- The addition of magnesium to calcium solutions does not appear to enhance clinical recovery from parturient paresis.
- Optimizing calcium dosage is key to reducing relapse rates in affected cattle.