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.