Calcium transfer to the mammary gland is a key process for milk production, but calcium supplied by a cow's diet also serves other important functions, such as bone structure and metabolic regulation. Calcium homeostasis in a cow's body—maintaining the balance between the amount of calcium absorbed from the digestive tract, the amount deposited in bones (both its own and, during pregnancy, for the fetus), and the amount excreted in feces, urine, and milk—is hormonally controlled and depends on many factors acting at a given time.
High-yielding dairy cows may experience adverse mineral metabolism immediately after parturition. After the dry period, when calcium requirements are low due to the lack of milk production, the cow's hormonal system switches to calcium anabolism. Calcium deposition, ultimately stimulated by calcitonin, predominates, leading to limited calcium absorption from the ration. Subsequently, after secretion of calcium-rich milk, a drastic drop in calcium concentration in the blood occurs, a condition known as hypocalcemia (serum Ca level < 7 mg/dl). Increasing calcium in the postpartum ration is ineffective because the high levels of calcitonin inherited after the dry period block the absorption and proper retention of calcium in the body.
Clinical, or acute, hypocalcemia leads to a fatal condition known as puerperal paralysis or milk fever. Calcium is essential for the proper conduction of nerve impulses, so symptoms include muscle cramps and paralysis, preventing the cow from standing. A more minor drop in blood calcium levels (subclinical hypocalcemia) can also lead to serious complications, such as retained placenta, displaced abomasum, rumen atony, and mastitis.
The main principles of milk fever prevention include proper nutritional management around calving and the use of acidifying diets. Insufficient utilization of calcium reserves from bones and poor absorption of calcium from food are considered the main causes of hypocalcaemia-related disease. Anion-cation balance (DCAD) and the content of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfates, and other minerals in the dry period ration have a significant impact on the effective mobilization of calcium reserves from bones during the perinatal period, through the action of parathyroid hormone (calcitonin antagonist).
Research conducted by specialists from the US and Germany indicates that dry cows, when supplemented with anionic salts, should receive high doses of calcium (>100 g per day) as early as two weeks before calving. However, if epsom salts are not used, supplementation of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus in amounts appropriate for the lactation period should begin just before calving. To ensure easily digestible forms of these elements, special preparations such as Ecocal, Ecocal Max, and Calcibol boluses are very helpful.
Ecocal max It provides highly absorbable calcium, the absorption of which is spread over time thanks to the use of two different forms: pantothenate and chloride. The preparation effectively prevents a decrease in blood calcium levels. It also contains magnesium and vitamin D3, a deficiency of which can lead to hypocalcemia. Furthermore, thanks to the content of niacin and B vitamins, it supports liver function and activates energy metabolism. Ecocal Max is easy to administer, as a single dose of 250g is sufficient.
A major advantage of the preparation Ecocal The advantage of this product is its high calcium absorption, which is possible thanks to the addition of vitamin D3. The product also provides an adequate amount of magnesium, which is important for preventing hypocalcemia. Therefore, Ecocal counteracts the occurrence of milk fever and prevents retained placenta, especially in high-yielding and multiparous calves. Additionally, the product is effective in preventing ketosis thanks to its glycerin content, a glucose precursor, and B vitamins, which activate energy metabolism.
Boluses are also becoming more and more popular. Our product, Calcibol, is unique due to the content of five different forms of calcium and a high dose of vitamin D3. Thanks to the quickly dissolving capsule, the contents of the preparation are released in the rumen within 5 minutes, which directly affects its effectiveness in emergency cases.
