RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HYPOCALCEMIA AND POSTPARTUM METABOLIC DISEASES IN DAIRY COWS

Abstract

Among various activities of great global importance, dairy farming stands out, where reproductive efficiency of the animals is necessary. Given this, several factors are essential to meet a cow's physiological needs during the transition period in order, to reduce possible physiological changes that could lead to secondary diseases, which later decrease the animals' productive efficiency and become an additional cost to the dairy farmer. For lactation to happen properly, a dairy cow needs a balanced diet that provides essential minerals, like calcium, which is important for milk and colostrum production. When the body can't meet the demand for this mineral, blood calcium levels drop, which can lead to hypocalcemia. This condition is associated with other diseases that can occur in the postpartum period, such as retained placenta, displaced abomasum, ketosis, and metritis. Therefore, understanding the factors related to hypocalcemia is important to help prevent metabolic disorders, promote animal well-being, and contribute to the productive efficiency of dairy cows.