Effects of dietary acidity on calcium balance and mobilisation, bone morphology and 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D in prepartal dairy cows

The effect of an acid or alkali diet was investigated in 14 mature dairy cows during the last 28 days of pregnancy. The acid diet reduced the incidence of parturient hypocalcaemia compared with the alkali diet and was associated with higher blood ionised calcium and plasma chloride concentrations and lower blood pH and acid-base excess before parturition. Plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D concentrations before parturition were increased by the acid diet but the concentrations of parathyroid hormone and intact 1–86 parathyroid-hormone-related peptide were unaffected. The estimated fractional calcium absorption and calcium mobilisation rate during an ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid infusion were increased by the acid diet 14 days before parturition. Cortical bone remodelling occurred in all the animals during late pregnancy but was particularly evident in the cows given the acid diet. The data suggest that an acid diet ameliorates parturient hypocalcaemia by enhancing calcium mobilisation before parturition by increasing calcium absorption and bone resorption, these increases possibly being mediated by increases in the plasma concentration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.     

Plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, insulin-like growth factor-1, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus concentrations in pregnant beef cows and calves from a herd with a known history of congenital joint laxity and dwarfism.

An investigation was undertaken to ascertain the possibility of a relationship between calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D], and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations in blood plasma and occurrence of congenital joint laxity and dwarfism (CJLD) in young cattle. Pregnant cows were fed hay (30 cows) or grass silage (122 cows) during winter months (October 15 to calving in March). Blood samples were taken from cows on seven occasions during the experiment and 48 hours after calving, and from calves at birth, and at seven, 14 and 56 days old. Five per cent of calves born (six of 122) to cows fed grass silage and none born to cows fed hay were affected by CJLD. The diet and health status of calves were not significantly (P greater than 0.05) associated with the plasma concentration of 1,25(OH)2D. The plasma calcium concentration declined with age of the calves (P less than 0.05) but was not affected by the occurrence of CJLD. Plasma phosphorus and magnesium concentrations in calves born to cows fed silage were higher (P less than 0.05) than in those born to cows fed hay. At birth and seven days old, plasma phosphorus concentrations were higher (P less than 0.05) in CJLD-affected calves than in healthy calves but the plasma concentration of IGF-1 was not different (P greater than 0.05). It was concluded that the high plasma phosphorus concentrations in CJLD-affected calves and their dams could be related to the aetiology of the CJLD condition in calves.     

Effects of reducing dietary ([Na + K − [Cl + SO4]) on bone in dairy cows at parturition

The effects of feeding diets with different milliequivalents (mEq) of dietary ([Na⁺ + K⁺] − [Cl⁻ + SO₄⁼]) to dairy cows during the last seven weeks of pregnancy on bone morphology at parturition were studied. Nine monozygotic twin pairs of pregnant cows (five pairs of parity 1 or 2 and four pairs of parity 3 or more) were allocated to two diets which were formulated to provide either −4 mEq (anion diet) or +572·5 mEq (cation diet) of ([Na⁺ + K⁺] − [Cl⁻ + SO₄⁼]) kg⁻¹ dietary dry matter. Bone biopsies were taken from the tuber coxae between three and eight hours after parturition. The plasma concentrations of calcium and inorganic phosphorus, the total plasma alkaline phosphatase activity and the urinary hydroxyproline:creatinine ratio were not significantly affected by diet during the experimental period. In low parity (2 or less) cows the percentage trabecular bone volume, the percentage osteoclast surface and the mean number of osteoclasts per microscopic field (identified by Goldner staining) were lower on the anion diet than on the cation diet (P<0-02). In the high parity cows, the percentage osteoid volume (P<0·05) and the ratio of percentage osteoid volume to percentage osteoid surface (P<0·001) were greater in the cows fed the anion diet than in the cows fed the cation diet. The results show that reducing the mEq of dietary ([Na⁺ + K⁺] − [Cl⁻ + SO₄⁼]) to −4 mEq kg⁻¹ dietary dry matter affected some of the parameters of bone formation but did not enhance bone resorption.     

Plasma mineral and energy metabolite concentrations in dairy cows fed an anionic prepartum diet that did or did not have retained fetal membranes after parturition

OBJECTIVE: To compare plasma total calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta hydroxy butyrate (BHB), and glucose concentrations in parturient dairy cows that were fed an anionic prepartum diet between those with and without retained fetal membranes (RFM) at 24 hours after parturition. ANIMALS: 152 Holstein cows that calved during October through December of 1997 PROCEDURE: All cows were fed an anionic prepartum diet. Blood sample was taken within 6 hours after parturition from randomly selected cows. Thirty-nine cows had a diagnosis of RFM at 24 hours after parturition; 113 were not affected with RFM. At calving, body condition score (BCS; 1 [thin] to 5 [obese]), parity, and calving difficulty score were recorded. Plasma calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, NEFA, BHB, and glucose concentrations were compared between cows with or without RFM. RESULTS: Cows with RFM had significantly lower plasma calcium concentration soon after calving, compared with cows without RFM. Cows with a parity of > or = 3 had significantly lower plasma concentrations of calcium and higher concentrations of magnesium, compared with cows with a parity of 1 or 2. Cows with a BCS of > or = 3.25 at calving had significantly higher plasma concentrations of BHB than cows with a BCS of 2.75 to 3.0. Cows with dystocia had significantly higher plasma concentrations of glucose, compared with cows without dystocia. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In parturient cows fed a prepartum anionic diet, those with RFM have lower plasma calcium concentrations than cows without RFM, although this association does not prove a cause-effect relationship.     

Effects of calcium intake and parity on plasma minerals and bone turnover around parturition

Eight pregnant heifers (primiparous cows) and seven pregnant cows in their second, third and forth pregnancies (multiparous cows) were assigned to two groups and fed either a low calcium (Ca) diet (Ca, 0.46%) or a high Ca diet (Ca, 0.86%) ad libitum from 3 weeks before the expected calving date to 3 days after parturition. All cows were examined for a change in dry matter intake (DMI), plasma minerals and bone turnover around parturition. The dietary Ca level did not affect the DMI in both primiparous and multiparous cows. The DMI of primiparous cows was significantly lower than that of multiparous cows (P < 0.05) in both the low and high dietary Ca groups. The dietary Ca level did not affect the concentrations of plasma Ca, phosphorus, magnesium and parathyroid hormone throughout the experimental period. Plasma phosphorus in primiparous cows was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that of multiparous cows around parturition. Plasma Ca and magnesium tended to be higher (P < 0.10) in primiparous cows. The dietary Ca level did not affect the plasma osteocalcin (OC) level measured as bone formation or the urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD) excretion measured as bone resorption before parturition in both primiparous and multiparous cows. After parturition, the plasma OC level was lower than it was before parturition in multiparous cows fed a low Ca diet, and in primiparous cows. There were no significant differences in urinary DPD excretion between each group before and after parturition. Both the plasma OC level and urinary DPD excretion of primiparous cows were significantly higher than those of multiparous cows in both the low and high dietary Ca groups.     

过瘤胃维生素D对围产期奶牛低血钙症的影响

为了阐明日粮添加过瘤胃维生素D对围产期奶牛低钙血症的调控机制,在某集约化奶牛场选取40头奶牛,随机分为4组,对照组(C)饲喂基础日粮,试验Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ组分别于产前10d至分娩后10d在日粮中每天添加1.5、3.0、6.0g/头过瘤胃维生素D。对4组试验奶牛围产期(分别于产前10、7、3、0d和产后3、7、10d)血清维生素D3(1,25-(OH)2D3)、钙、羟脯氨酸、甲状旁腺素和降钙素水平进行检测。结果表明,围产期奶牛血钙水平分娩时达最低,产后逐渐上升,且产前7d至产后10d对照组奶牛血钙浓度显著低于试验Ⅰ组(P<0.05);分娩当天试验Ⅰ组奶牛血浆中1,25-(OH)2D3、羟脯氨酸和降钙素水平显著高于对照组(P<0.05),甲状旁腺素水平显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。提示,日粮中每天添加1.5g/头过瘤胃维生素D能调节甲状旁腺素和降钙素等激素的分泌,促进肠道对钙的吸收,动员骨钙,从而防止奶牛产后低钙血的发生,且围产期奶牛低血钙症与机体血钙稳态调节作用密切关联。     

Evaluation of urine and serum metabolites in miniature schnauzers with calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

To evaluate underlying causes of calcium oxalate urolithiasis, 24-hour excretion of urine metabolites was measured in 6 Miniature Schnauzers that formed calcium oxalate (CaOx) uroliths during periods when they were fed a standard diet and during periods when food was withheld. Serum concentrations of parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D also were evaluated. Serum calcium concentrations were normal in all 6 affected Miniature Schnauzers; however, during diet consumption, mean 24-hour urinary excretion of calcium was significantly (P = 0.025) higher than calcium excretion when food was withheld. In 1 dog, urinary calcium excretion was lower during the period of food consumption, compared with the period when food was withheld. Compared with clinically normal Beagles, Miniature Schnauzers that formed CaOx uroliths excreted significantly greater quantities of calcium when food was consumed (P = 0.0004) and when food was withheld (P = 0.001). Miniature Schnauzers that formed CaOx uroliths excreted significantly less oxalate than clinically normal Beagles during fed (P = 0.028) and nonfed (P = 0.004) conditions. Affected Miniature Schnauzers also excreted abnormally high quantities of uric acid. Excretion of citrate was not different between Miniature Schnauzers with CaOx urolithiasis and clinically normal Beagles. In 5 of 6 Miniature Schnauzers with CaOx urolithiasis, concentrations of serum parathyroid hormone were similar to values from age- and gender-matched Miniature Schnauzers without uroliths. The concentration of serum parathyroid hormone in 1 dog was greater than 4 times the mean concentration of clinically normal Miniature Schnauzers. Mean serum concentrations of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in Miniature Schnauzers with calcium oxalate urolithiasis were similar to concentrations of clinically normal Miniature Schnauzers.     

Use of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and dietary calcium to improve tenderness of beef from the round of beef cows

The objective of this trial was to determine how 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (25-OH D(3)) supplementation, altering supplemental dietary calcium, or their combination influence postmortem biochemical and tenderness changes in muscles from the round of mature cows. Twenty-seven Angus cows (3 to 7 yr old) were allotted randomly to 9 pens with 3 cows per pen. Treatments were arranged in a 3 x 3 factorial design with 3 dosages of 25-OH D(3) (0, 250, or 500 mg of 25-OH D(3) administered as a 1-time oral bolus 7 d before slaughter) and 3 percentages of supplemental limestone (0.5, 0.75, and 1.0%) replenished in the diet for 3 d before slaughter and after a 2-wk limestone withdrawal. Plasma samples were obtained during the feeding period. Upon slaughter, adductor, gracilus, pectineus, sartorius, semimembranosus, vastus intermedius, and vastus lateralis muscles were obtained and aged for 1, 3, or 7 d. Calcium concentrations were increased in plasma when 250 or 500 mg of 25-OH D(3) were administered (P 相似文献   

Effect of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 on the calcium and magnesium metabolism of lactating cows

Administration of 1,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) to lactating dairy cows resulted in increased dietary calcium absorption and elevated concentrations of plasma calcium. Dietary magnesium absorption was unaffected by 1,25(OH)2D3 however, plasma magnesium concentration was depressed. Injections of 1,25(OH)2D3 were effective in elevating plasma calcium concentrations in both normal and hypomagnesaemic cows. This indicates a potential use for 1,25(OH)2D3 to prevent and treat hypocalcaemic cows with or without concurrent hypomagnesaemia.     

Dose response to vaginal administration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 to cows

It was previously reported that intravaginal (IVAG) administration of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (1,25(OH)(2)D(3)) might be protective against bovine hypocalcaemia. In the present study, various doses of exogenous 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) were administered IVAG to ovariectomised cows, and the subsequent changes in the biochemical parameters of the blood were measured to assess the characteristics of vaginal absorption. Five cows received 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) IVAG at a dose of 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, or 1.0microg/kg of body weight (BW) or intravenously at a dose of 1.0microg/kg BW. Dosing was at intervals of at least two weeks in a 5x5 Latin square design. Vaginally administered 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) was absorbed in a dose-dependent manner. There was no correlation between the IVAG dose of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and subsequent changes in plasma calcium concentrations. The bioavailability of 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) administered IVAG at 1.0microg/kg BW was approximately 93%.     

Prolactin, estradiol, and progesterone changes in paretic and nonparetic cows during the periparturient period

We studied the relationship of serum prolactin, estradiol-17 beta, and progesterone concentrations to plasma calcium, phosphorus, and free hydroxyproline concentrations, as well as to dry matter intake, in 14 aged dairy cows (mean of 4.5 parities), 7 of which became paretic, from 28 days before to 4 days after calving. Plasma calcium and phosphorus concentrations and dry matter intake decreased more at parturition in paretic cows than in nonparetic cows. Prolactin concentrations were not different between paretic and nonparetic cows, but were variable. Concentrations of estradiol were higher in paretic cows from 15 to 5 days before parturition, whereas hydroxyproline concentration was lower in paretic cows on days 10 through 3 before parturition. Progesterone concentration was lower in paretic cows and decreased earlier at parturition, compared with that in nonparetic cows. The findings suggested that high estradiol concentrations in late pregnancy inhibit bone resorption and predispose aged cows to parturient paresis. The earlier decrease in progesterone concentration at parturition and lower concentrations throughout late pregnancy might have contributed to the greater inappetence in paretic cows at parturition. The importance of prolactin in the pathogenesis of parturient paresis is not clear.     

Plasma Levels of Immunoreactive Parathyroid Hormone in Relation to Starvation Hypocalgaemia in Dairy Cows

The hypocalcaemia caused by parturition and onset of lactation in high-production dairy cows was mimicked by subjecting cows to starvation periods before and after partus. The changes in plasma calcium, phosphate and magnesium were followed and compared with immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) in 2 cows. During the starvation periods before partus, the cows developed hypocalcaemia with no or only small changes in the plasma concentration of magnesium. After the onset of hypocalcaemia, the concentration of iPTH increased on the average 3–4-fold and the raised hormone levels lasted about 24 h after start of refeeding. An increase in plasma phosphate occurred somewhat later than the rise in iPTH and lasted longer. After partus hypocalcaemia developed, together with smaller increases in iPTH concentration (about 2-fold). The post-partum starvation period again resulted in hypocalcaemia and raised iPTH concentrations.In conclusion, starvation and parturition induced inverse changes in plasma calcium and iPTH in dairy cows. The increases in plasma iPTH were reversible and considered secondary to the hypocalcaemia. Through the effect of paratyroid hormone, plasma calcium was normalized and phosphate concentration increased. Therefore, fatal hypocalcaemia which may occur following the course of parturition and onset of lactation is not due to impaired PTH secretion.     

Estrone and Progesterone Plasma Levels of Normal Cows and Cows with Parturient Paresis

Blood plasma concentrations of estrone and progesterone, calcium and inorganic phosphorus were measured in 22 cows (Swedish Red and White Breed) from 4 weeks prepartum up to 6 days post partum. Ten cows with parturient paresis had Ca levels below 6 mg/100 ml. Data from plasma analyses in individual cows were grouped in the following periods: 28–22, 21–15, 14–8, 7–6, 5–4, 3, 2, 1 day(s) before parturition and 1, 2, 3–6 days after parturition. Statistical comparisons of the levels of the hormones and the ratio progesterone/estrone did not reveal any significant differences between the paretic and normal cows at any time period. The results do not support the theories that high systemic levels of estrogens or an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone predispose towards parturient paresis.     

Green tea polyphenols supplementation alters immunometabolism and oxidative stress in dairy cows with hyperketonemia

Peripartal cows often experience negative energy balance, and are therefore prone to suffering from metabolic diseases such as hyperketonemia, which causes financial losses in dairy farms. This study aimed to investigate the effect of green tea polyphenol (GTP) supplementation during the periparturient period on production performance, oxidative stress and immunometabolism in dairy cows with hyperketonemia. One hundred Holstein cows were assigned to GTP (0.2 g/kg DM; n = 50) or control (without GTP; n = 50) group based on body weight, previous milk yield, and parity on d 15 before expected parturition. Subsequently, 10 cows with hyperketonemia were selected from each group, according to blood β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentration between 1.2 and 2.9 mmol/L from 2 to 3 d postpartum. All cows were fed a close-up diet and a lactation diet with or without GTP supply from 15 d prepartum until 30 d postpartum. Milk and blood samples were obtained from 20 cows selected with hyperketonemia on 10, 20, and 30 d postpartum. Compared with control cows, greater milk yield and lower somatic cell count were observed in GTP cows. The GTP group had lower concentrations of BHBA, free fatty acids, cholesterol, triglyceride, reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and hydrogen peroxide, greater concentrations of glucose, lower activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and glutamyl transpeptidase, alongside greater activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and total antioxidant capacity. Additionally, GTP supplementation up-regulated concentrations of interleukin-6 and interleukin-10, but down-regulated concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, interleukin-2, interleukin-8, and interferon-γ in plasma. Greater concentrations of plasma immunoglobulin G were also detected in the GTP group. Overall, the data suggested that GTP supplementation from 15 d prepartum to 30 d postpartum improved the milk yield and health status in cows with hyperketonemia during early lactation.     

The orotic acid concentration in the blood, milk, and urine of dairy cows fed with urea supplemented diet

The experiment was performed on 4 cows Black and White, 550-650 kg of body weight, before and during 100 days after parturition. Two cows were fed with control and the next two with urea supplemented diet (urea-N constituting about 20% of total N in ration, 13% c.p. in DM). In cows fed with urea supplemented diet the considerable but unequal increase of urinary orotic acid excretion (particularly evident in first 30 days of lactation) was observed. There was however no influence of urea ration on the level of orotic acid in milk. The average orotic acid level in blood plasma (1.14 +/- 0.71 mumol X l-1 and 0.94 +/- 0.22 mumol X l-1 for control and urea fed cow respectively) established 0.01 and 0.001 of the average orotic acid concentration in urine and milk, respectively. Feeding with urea ration did not affect the level of orotic and UMP but increased the uridine concentration in blood plasma. During the parturition the lowest level of orotic acid in blood plasma, milk and urine was observed.     

Effects of a 61.7 km ride on magnesium and calcium homeostasis in well trained endurance horses

The adequacy of the dietary supply of Mg and Ca was evaluated in seven well trained endurance horses completing a 61.7 km ride. The horses received excessive amounts of dietary magnesium before and during the ride. Blood samples were taken one hour before the start, at the first and second veterinary gate, directly and 1 and 2 hours after the finish. The mean body weight loss was 20.1 ± 3.9 kg which implied a body weight reduction of 4.6 ± 1.0%. No major downward changes of the concentrations of the total and ionized concentrations of calcium and magnesium and erythrocyte Mg concentrations were observed during the ride in response to the Mg and Ca loss via sweat. Also the concentrations of parathyroid hormone and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were not increased. These results demonstrate that under the conditions of this study sufficient amounts of Mg and Ca were available from the diet, from additional supplementation during the ride and from body stores.     

Influence of a deficient supply of magnesium during the dry period on the rate of calcium mobilisation by dairy cows at parturition

The influence of a deficient magnesium supply during the dry period on the ability of dairy cows to mobilise calcium at parturition was investigated. The daily rations pre-partum consisted of 6 kg grass hay, and 4 kg concentrates containing either 1.58 per cent magnesium (HMg) or 0.22 per cent magnesium (LMg). Nine cows of parity one to six received the LMg diet and 10 cows of parity one to seven the HMg diet. Both rations provided 1.40 times maintenance on an energy basis and contained 4 per cent potassium in the dry matter. Throughout the dry period the mean concentration of magnesium in the plasma of the LMg group was significantly lower than in the HMg group and at parturition the mean plasma concentrations were 0.65 mmol litre-1 and 1.16 mmol litre-1, respectively. After parturition two cows in the LMg group showed clinical signs of hypocalcaemia but none of the HMg group did so. Cows of the LMg group had a lower mean rate of calcium mobilisation (0.27 mmol min-1) than those of the HMg group (0.34 mmol min-1) but the difference could not be explained by differences in bone turnover as reflected by urinary hydroxyproline excretion. Such a reduced rate of calcium mobilisation may be a contributory factor in the high incidence of milk fever in some herds fed inadequate magnesium in the dry period.     

Response of plasma bone markers to a single intramuscular administration of calcitriol in dairy cows

To elucidate the effects of an exogenous calcitriol (1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D₃) on plasma bone markers, the formation item osteocalcin (OC), undercarboxylated OC (ucOC) and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and the resorption parameter tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAP5b) and hydroxyproline (HYP) were measured in conjunction with plasma calcitriol and calcium (Ca) concentrations in dairy cows receiving calcitriol or its vehicle according to a 2 × 2 crossover design. Calcitriol (0.5 μg/kg, i.m.) increased significantly its plasma level during 6 h to day 2 and plasma Ca concentration during 12 h to day 7 compared to the vehicle. Also, plasma OC and ucOC started to rise from day 3 and 1, respectively, and remained elevated until day 7. No change in plasma BALP, TRAP5b or HYP associated with calcitriol treatment was noted. These results demonstrate that exogenous calcitriol stimulates osteoblasts to biosynthesise OC, a determinant of the bone formation in cows.     

阴离子盐对奶牛围产期血浆离子平衡的影响

采用20头荷斯坦经产奶牛按配对试验设计,研究在干奶后期(产前约3周)添加阴离子盐添加剂对奶牛产前1周、2周和产后1周、2周及分娩当日血浆离子浓度、胎衣不下发病率以及产乳热发病情况的影响。结果表明,饲喂阴离子盐日粮4d后可使尿液pH值显著降低(P<0.05),试验组与对照组比较产前一周和产后一周血浆钙离子浓度有上升的趋势,分别为(7.98vs7.26)和(7.81vs7.19),距分娩1周血浆镁离子浓度有降低趋势(1.96vs2.16),在分娩当日试验组血浆镁离了浓度低于对照组(1.90vs2.01),产前1周和分娩当日血浆钠离子浓度低于对照组,分别为(123.90vs126.43,P<0.05)和(124.28vs125.93,P<0.05)。在本试验条件下添加阴离子盐对血浆其他离子浓度没有显著影响(P>0.05),通过对胎衣不下发生情况的统计表明,饲喂阴离子盐能够减少胎衣不下的发生。     

Cholinesterase Levels in Blood Plasma and Erythrocytes from Calves,Normal Delivering Cows and Cows Suffering from Parturient Paresis

Plasma cholinesterase (pChE) levels and erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase (eAChE) levels were studied in 6 cows before, during and after parturition (Group I), their calves (Group II), 38 cows suffering from parturient paresis (Group III) and 14 newly delivered non-paretic cows (Group IV).The mean of the pChE level in Group I was 1.5 μkat/1 ± 0.20 before parturition and decreased significantly (P ≦ 0.05) to 1.2 ukat/1 ± 0.16 after parturition. The eAChE level was before parturition ≅ 140 ukat/1 and decreased to ≅ 130 μkat/1 4–5 weeks after parturition.At birth the pChE level was 12.8 ukat/1 ± 5.9 in Group II. After 4 weeks the level had decreased to 2.3 ukat/1 ±0.3. In the bull calves the pChE level started to increase when they were 6 weeks old and reached a level of 5.7 μkat/1 ± 0.6 before slaughter at 6 months of age. The heifers did not show this increase. They had a level of around 2 μkat/1 throughout the investigation. The eAChE level at birth was 119 μkat/1 and increased slowly to a level of 145 μkat/1 at 6 months. No differences between the sexes were found.The cows suffering from parturient paresis had a pChE level of 1.80 μkat/1 ± 0.30 before treatment with calcium (Ca). The level decreased significantly (P ≦ 0.001) after Ca-infusion to a level of 1.67 ukat/1 ±0.29. Group IV had a pChE level of 1.65 μkat/1 ± 0.42 at parturition. Two to 4 months later the cows that had recovered from milk fever had a level of 1.61 μkat/1 ± 0.31 and the control cows 1.66 ukat/1 ± 0.48. No differences between the groups were found for the eAChE level.The findings show that parturition influences the pChE level in cows and that sex influences the pChE level in calves between 6 weeks to at least 6 months of age. Furthermore the elevated pChE level found in the cows suffering from parturient paresis before Ca infusion may be a further sign of a disturbance in the cholinergic system with a special preference to the neuromuscular junctions.