Effetto di una soluzione endovenosa a base di calcio gluconato nel post partum di bovine da latte ad alta produzione

This investigation was designed to asses the effect of intravenous calcium-gluconate treatment in parturient dairy cows. Seventy multiparous cows were equally assigned to each of two protocols: the first group (treated, T) receiving a 250 mL intravenous solution containing 50 g calcium-gluconate; the second (control, C) receiving 250 mL intravenous isotonic solution of sodium chloride. The following data were recorded at calving and 15, 21, 30, 45 and 60 days after parturition (d15, d21, d30, d45 and d60): body condition score (BCS), the diameter of the uterine horns and the presence of follicles and corpora lutea by ultrasonography, first service conception rate (FSCR), repeat breeding, open days, the level of ketonaemia, drug administrations and their related costs. No difference was observed as regards BCS. The diameter of the uterine horns was smaller in Group T both on d15 and on d30. In Group C this parameter indicated a longer time for the recovery of the ovarian activity because the number of cows showing presence of follicles or corpora lutea was lower than in Group T (P<0.01) on d15 (2 vs. 9) and d21 (4 vs. 10). No difference was found between the groups in FSCR, repeat breeding, open days, ketonaemia and mean cost of pharmacological treatments. In conclusion, the treatment of cows with intravenous administration of calcium-gluconate could be a suitable method to improve the reproductive performance in the post partum of dairy cows.