Investigation into the calcium-homeostasis influenced by food intake and the periparturient period in mares

Investigation into the calcium-homeostasis influenced by food intake and the periparturient period in mares

Untersuchungen zur Calcium-Homöostase bei der Stute in Abhängigkeit von der Fütterung und während des perinatalen Zeitraumes

Schulze R-P, Bartmann C P, Harmeyer J

DOI: 10.21836/PEM20010506
Year: 2001
Volume: 17
Issue: 5
Pages: 458-462

In order to investigate the influence of acute food intake and the periparturient period on the metabolism of calcium, a study was performed before and after defined feeds in four mares and during the periparturient period in 15 mares. For the conduct of the research plasma samples were taken in defined intervals. The content of the plasma of ionized calcium, parathyroid hormone and the activities of the alkaline phosphatase (AP) respectively the bone alkaline phosphatase (bone AP) were determined. Thus it was proved that the time of the feed and with it the intake of calcium considerably influences the plasma level of calcium and especially of the parathyroid hormone. Furthermore, an imbalance in calcium-metabolism in periparturient mares sub partu and from the 6th day to the 21th after foaling could be demonstrated. In seven out of these 15 mares, a significant decrease of the blood plasma concentration of the ionized calcium with a compensatory increase of the parathyroid hormone concentration could be demonstrated on the day of the partus. Six out of the 15 mares showed a parathyroid response post partum. The clinical appearance of hypocalcaemia was not observed during the whole research period. Nevertheless an increased risk has to be assumed for clinical hypocalcaemia, especially in the time during birth and in the first weeks after birth when additional stress factors like transport, starving or intestinal colic may affect the mare.