Biochemical markers of bone turnover in the dairy cow during lactation and the dry period.
We measured a bone-formation marker recognizing osteocalcin, and a bone-resorption marker recognizing C-telopeptide (CT(x)) fragments of collagen type I, in a longitudinal study. The levels of these markers in the plasma of dairy cows (n=11) were recorded over a 12 month postpartum period, including a full lactation and a dry period. The plasma concentration of CT(x) was highest in the first week after parturition. It then declined slowly over the next 33 weeks and remained low until the next parturition. Osteocalcin concentration was lowest around parturition, reached a plateau during mid-lactation, then fell again towards term. There were large variations in bone metabolism during a lactation, that were not directly related to milk production. These results may be used to facilitate appropriate adjustments to calcium and phosphorous concentrations in the diet, reflecting the specific needs of each stage of the reproductive cycle.
Holtenius
K
K
Kungsängen Research Centre, Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE-753 23 Uppsala, Sweden. kjell.holtenius@huv.slu.se
Ekelund
A
A
D000818:Animals; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000378:metabolism*; D002118:Calcium / Q000502:physiology; D002417:Cattle / Q000378:metabolism*; D003094:Collagen / Q000097:blood*; D024042:Collagen Type I; D005260:Female; D007774:Lactation / Q000378:metabolism*; D015675:Osteocalcin / Q000097:blood*; D036801:Parturition; D010455:Peptides / Q000097:blood*; D016226:Phosphorus, Dietary / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011247:Pregnancy
D024042:Collagen Type I; D010455:Peptides; D016226:Phosphorus, Dietary; C052929:collagen type I trimeric cross-linked peptide; D015675:Osteocalcin; D003094:Collagen; D002118:Calcium