Use of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 in the prevention of bovine parturient paresis. IX. Early and late effects of a single injection.
Israeli Friesian cows in the third or later lactation were injected intramuscularly (serratus muscle of the neck) with 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 in propylene glycol in order to compare the short-term and long-term effects of the drug. Following injection of 700 micrograms 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3, the D-derivative appeared in the plasma after 12 h and reached a peak 24 h after injection. Plasma 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D increased as early as 6 h and peaked at 24 h. Plasma calcium increased after 6 h and peaked 4 to 5 d after the injection. The administration of a single dose of 350 micrograms 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 at 7 to 8 d before calving did not prevent periparturient hypocalcaemia observed in the uninjected control cows. A single injection of 700 micrograms 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 7 to 8 d before parturition prevented hypocalcemia at calving. There were no significant differences in plasma calcium 4 to 21 d after calving between the injected and control cows nor were there any cases of delayed postparturient hypocalcemia or milk fever. Results suggest that 700 micrograms 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 prolonged the calcemic effect of the drug and prevented hypocalcemia at parturition, even if administered 6 to 8 d before calving.
Sachs
M
M
Institute of Animal Science, Agricultural Research Organization, Vocani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel.
Perlman
R
R
Bar
A
A
D000818:Animals; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000097:blood; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood*; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006887:Hydroxycholecalciferols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006996:Hypocalcemia / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D010319:Parturient Paresis / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011247:Pregnancy
D006887:Hydroxycholecalciferols; D002117:Calcitriol; D002118:Calcium; C008088:alfacalcidol