The analysis of serum mineral profile of cows before and after calving: A case study

High-yielding dairy cows have several critical periods during lactation. These include the drying period, parturition, postpartum period and the first 100 days of lactation. The mineral profile displays the balanced feed ration appropriate for the category. Therefore, investigation of serum mineral profile of dry cows and cows in 12th week after calving was the aim of this study. In this work 12 high producing Holstein Friesian dairy cows from dairy farm were used. The analysed elements Ca2+, P, Na+, K+, Mg2+ and chlorides (Cl-) were determined at 4th week after drying and during 12th week after calving. The data obtained were compared with the standard for dairy cows. Compared to reference interval, before calving 8 and after calving 5 cows had hypocalcaemia. Hypophosphatemia was detected for 2 cows before calving and 3 after calving. For the other elements Na, K, Mg2+ and chlorides (Cl-) no deviations from the reference intervals were found. In blood serum mineral profile between dry cows and cows in 12th week of lactation significant differences were found for Mg Cl- (increase) and K (decrease). Results shown, that main problem of dry and lactating cows was the hypocalcaemia and partly the hypophosphatemia.