Role of Calcium in Dairy Cattle during Transition Period and its Management

The transition period in dairy animal, which is the period considered from three weeks prior and after parturition, is crucial for their health and productivity. Most of the animals' nutritional needs were met by feed, consisting in energy, protein, minerals and vitamins. For maintenance of production performance at an adequate level, the minerals play an important role, which we often overlook. In terms of production, including reproductive performance and disease prevention, such as milk fever or retention of the placenta during the postpartum period, calcium plays an important role in all major minerals, i.e. calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Clinical or subclinical hypocalcemia around calving is the most common disorder due to massive calcium secretion into colostrum. As a consequence of subclinical hypocalcemia, there is decreased milk production, immune function, increased risk of ketosis, and decreased reproductive performance. So it’s pivotal to maintain calcium levels during the dry period so that later consequences do not occur and the fertility of the animal is maintained.