Relation between intravascular electrolyte level and course of parturition in dairy cows

Abstract

Summary Objective: To determine the intravascular electrolyte status in dairy cows with respect to age and different courses of parturition to clarify etiological factors influencing peri- or intrapartal imbalances of electrolyte homeostasis. Material and methods: A total of 64 cows at birth were evaluated (primiparous n = 34, pluriparous n = 30). Thirty-three cows showed normal delivery, while 31 cows had a complicated birth. Blood samples were collected intra partum (i. p.) and 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 24 h post partum (p. p.) as well as [2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 10 days p. p. and levels of total calcium (Catotal), ionized calcium (Caion), inorganic phosphate (Pa), Mg, Na, K, Cl were determined. Results: The results revealed that electrolytes show great fluctuation during and immediately p. p. in relation to age. Already during parturition pluriparous cows had a lower Catotal and Pa concentration compared to primiparous animals. Cows with dystocia exhibited a more intensive and longer lasting decrease of Ca compared to cows with normal birth. In relation to age and severity of birth Pa concentration showed a differing but basically typical course for this electrolyte. Mg, Na, K and Cl concentrations were higher during and immediately after birth compared to p. p. values. Until day 10 p. p. these electrolyte concentrations declined more in older cows with dystocia compared to younger animals. However, the influence of dystocia on concentration of these electrolytes was milder in contrast to Ca and Pa. Conclusions: In summary, primarily older cows are predisposed to imbalances of electrolyte homeostasis intra partum and at the beginning of the lactation. These changes are potentiated in case of complications during parturition. Intravascular Catotal, Caion as well as Pa are most severely affected. Clinical relevance: These results may constitute the basis for a comprehensive metaphylaxis during the peripartal period, especially in cows after dystocia, to positively influence the early convalescence phase.

Concentration of Potassium in Plasma, Erythrocytes, and Muscle Tissue in Cows with Decreased Feed Intake and Gastrointestinal Ileus

“…Group 1 (20 cows) was recruited from healthy cows (15 Simmental cows with approximately 750 kg live weight, 5 Holstein Friesian cows with approximately 700 kg live weight) of the teaching and research farm of the Vetmeduni Vienna which were sampled immediately postpartum (1-3 days) as hypokalemia is a frequently reported condition during this period. 11,13 The sampled cows were between 2.1 and 9.2 years old (4.29 AE 2.02). Dry cows are kept in a straw-bedded group pen and are fed corn silage, grass silage, hay, straw, high-protein concentrate (Rindastar 39 XP), a and minerals (Rindavit VK).…”

Wesen, Ursachen, Therapie und Prophylaxe der hypokalzämischen Gebärparese beim Rind

“…Hierbei gilt es jedoch zu bedenken, dass die Kausalitäten nicht immer eindeutig geklärt sind. So ist beispielsweise anzunehmen, dass Kühe mit einer Schwergeburt eventuell bereits zum Zeitpunkt der Kalbung eine subklinische Hypokalzämie aufweisen und diese die Schwergeburt bedingt [21].…”

Management der Trockensteh- und Transitphase von Milchkühen in Boxenlaufställen in Niedersachsen

“…Zudem bewirkt eine Hypokalzämie eine Herabsetzung der gesamten Muskelkontraktilität, die auch die Schließmuskelarbeit der Zitzen nach dem Milchentzug einbezieht (13). Mit der Geburt und dem Beginn der Laktation kommt es zu einem großen Entzug von Kalzium über die Milch (34). Dieser temporäre Kalziummangel wird durch eine gesteigerte intestinale Resorption und Freisetzung von Kalzium aus dem Skelettsystem aufgefangen und bedarf einer Adaptationszeit von 24-48 Stunden.…”