The effect of oral calcium lactate in postpartum cows

The oral administration of calcium lactate for prophylaxis of bovine parturient paresis has been promoted for a number of years. The goal of the present study was to investigate the effect of this treatment on the serum concentrations of calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium in parturient cows. Five fresh calved cows were given a drench containing calcium lactate and 5 control cows received the same drench but without calcium lactate. There were no significant differences in the serum concentrations of total and ionised calcium and magnesium between treated and control cows within 24 hours of treatment. Because the calcium lactate drench did not significantly affect calcium concentrations in the blood of fresh cows, it appears highly questionable whether the administration of calcium lactate decreases the risk of bovine parturient paresis. Based on our results, the oral administration of calcium lactate can not be recommended for prophylaxis of bovine parturient paresis.