Cyclic changes in plasma calcium and the calcium homeostatic endocrine system of the postparturient dairy cow.

Plasma Ca, P, Mg, parathyroid hormone, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D were measured in blood samples taken daily from d 5 before until d 15 to 30 after calving in 28 aged dairy cows (5 yr or older) and 9 first lactation cows. Subnormal plasma Ca concentrations were defined as being below the lower limit (2.18 mmol/L) of the 99% confidence interval for lactating cows outside the month of calving. A parturient minimum in plasma Ca and P concentrations occurred usually within 24 h after calving in all animals. Plasma mineral changes very similar to those at parturition were observed in 50% of the aged cows at one, two, or even three later occasions during the 1st mo postpartum. Interval between subsequent subnormal Ca minima in these Ca-cycling cows was 7 to 10 d. The function of the Ca regulating endocrine systems appeared adequate. Calcium cycling with increased amplitude could be induced by feeding 200 micrograms/d of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 for about 5 d around parturition (8 animals). The hypocalcemic episode was more pronounced than in untreated cows, and Ca cycling was traced throughout the 1st mo of lactation. Similar treatment also induced Ca cycling in 4 heifers, whereas 8 untreated heifers showed no tendency to Ca cycling in the postparturient period. The hypothesis is put forward that variations in intestinal Ca absorption induced by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 are the primary cause of the cyclic changes in plasma Ca postpartum of the aged dairy cow.