Effects of Oral Dosing with Calcium Propionate on Total Calcium and Glucose Concentrations in the Plasma of the Cow

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the effect of oral drenching with molasses, calcium propionate and MgO on plasma glucose and calcium concentrations of dairy cows. Four trials were undertaken, each using three lactating and three non-lactating Jersey cows. In Trial 1, the effect of drenching with 200 ml molasses was measured. Trial 2 measured the effect of a single treatment with 349 g calcium propionate in 200 ml molasses. In Trial 3, the effect of 60 g MgO in molasses alone and in combination with calcium propionate was measured. Trial 4 tested the effect of repeating treatments with 349 g calcium propionate in 200 ml molasses 24 h apart. Dosing with 349 g calcium propionate in molasses increased plasma total calcium (Catot concentration by 10% in lactating and non-lactating cows for periods less than 7 h, and this was not augmented by simultaneous administration of MgO or treatment 24 h earlier with 349 g calcium propionate in molasses. Treatment with 200 ml molasses alone resulted in increased plasma Catot of 7%. Plasma glucose concentrations were elevated by 11% for less than 3 h after treatment with calcium propionate. For the prevention of subclinical hypocalcaemia and ketosis in early lactation, drenching with calcium propionate solutions is unlikely to be of value due to the short duration of its effects, but the inclusion of calcium propionate in the postpartum ration deserves further investigation.