The role of Calcium, Phosphorus and Vitamin D in the Milk Start Products.
In a cow’s production cycle, certain phases are particularly crucial. One of the most critical periods is the transition period. Especially around calving the cow faces significant challenges. In fact, 75% of health issues arise during this time. To help cows navigate this period more effectively, AHV has developed Milk Start Products.
After calving, dairy cows often experience a drop in phosphorus and calcium levels. Calcium has long been recognized for its importance, but phosphorus is equally vital as it supports calcium absorption and storage in the cow’s bones. If a suboptimal calcium source is used, it may only cause a brief spike in calcium levels, potentially leading to lethargy, reduced feed intake, and less mineral absorption from feed. Therefore, selecting the right calcium source is essential.
Calcium crucial after calving
AHV’s products and programs aim to support cows while empowering them to manage issues independently. Administering a high dose of calcium without enhancing calcium metabolism does not align with our philosophy. Figure 1 below shows that cows experience a calcium dip immediately after calving. To address this, the AHV Milk Start provides readily available calcium pidolate, magnesium, and phosphorus.
Initially, dicalcium phosphate (1), which is quickly absorbed, tackles the acute calcium and phosphorus drop (Verhoef et al., 2023), as can be read from figure 1. Following this, calcium pidolate promotes protein formation that aids calcium transport, facilitating its absorption from the intestines into the bloodstream (2+3). Phosphate supports metabolism, and high doses of Vitamin D3 enhance calcium absorption from feed, bones, and intestines (4). This improvement in muscle function leads to better rumen performance, increased feed intake, and prevention of further calcium dips, resulting in a healthier and more productive cow.
Figure 1: Influences of AHV Milk Start Bolus on blood-calcium concentration after calving.
Benefits of phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium pidolate for dairy cows
The right balance and source of phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium are crucial for cow health, offering several key benefits. Enhanced calcium absorption from the blood supports optimal muscle function, improving rumen performance and ensuring a smoother transition period. Moreover, better uterine contraction aids in faster post-calving recovery, boosting fertility and allowing for quicker insemination. Additionally, improved teat sphincter contraction reduces the risk of bacterial entry into the udder, lowering the chances of milk leaks and related health issues.
Comparing oral and infusion methods for calcium administration
Choosing the right method of calcium administration is also of major importance. Figure 2 illustrates the differences between a calcium infusion (dark green) and an oral calcium supplement (light green). The oral supplement involved a bolus with a fat layer containing CaCl2 and CaSO4 given around calving, followed by another bolus 12 hours later. Although this bolus lacked phosphorus, which AHV considers necessary, it showed a noticeable short-term effect.
As clearly visible in figure 2, a calcium infusion produces a high but brief peak in calcium levels, quickly dropping below the desired 75 mg/L. In contrast, the oral bolus causes a smaller peak but maintains more stable calcium levels. However, proper phosphorus, magnesium, and calcium composition is crucial for sustained effectiveness and stimulating the cow’s appetite and metabolism. Without this, there’s still a risk of developing (subclinical) hypocalcemia in the days following calving.
Dr. Garrett Oetzel. Geëxtrapoleerde gegevens van Blanc et al., Journal of Dairy Science, 97:6901, 2014. (https://www.merckvetmanual.com/metabolic-disorders/disorders-of-calcium-metabolism/parturient-paresis-in-cows#Prevention_v3282052)
Figure 2: Difference in calcium blood levels after administering IV calcium, oral calcium, and no calcium supplement at all.
Research highlights the value of proper calcium sources
Research by the AHV Technical team confirms how important the right calcium source is. During the trial, blood samples from 31 cows were taken immediately after calving and the cows given one of three different calcium supplements. After four days, measurements revealed that while initial calcium levels were low, the AHV Milk Start Bolus group showed the greatest improvement, even though it contained less calcium compared to other supplements.
The results of this trial support AHV’s approach, which prioritizes not just the amount of calcium, but the importance of using a high-quality calcium source paired with adequate phosphorus.
Figure 3: Calcium levels of AHV StartLac Tablet (green) and two competing products (blue, light blue) at the time of administration and after four days after administration. The horizontal grey lines represent the lower and upper ‘normal values’ for blood calcium.
Recommendations for calving
AHV advises administering the AHV Milk Start Bolus or Paste immediately after calving and again 12-24 hours later to provide essential magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and Vitamin D3. Milk Start is designed to support cows during the production phase and reduce the risk of milk fever and subclinical calcium deficiency.
Additionally, the Metri Bolus and Aspi Bolus are recommended immediately after calving. The Metri Bolus enhances uterine hygiene and facilitates placenta expulsion, which positively impacts fertility. The Aspi Bolus supports tissue blood flow, boosts the immune system during recovery, and promotes overall cow well-being, leading to a quicker return to feeding and reduced stress. Lower stress levels decrease adrenaline production, which in turn benefits uterine contractions and milk release. Together these three products are part of the AHV Uterine Health & Fertility Program.
For the most optimal results, it is advised to combine the Uterine Health & Fertility Program with our Transition Program by simply providing a Booster Bolus to your cows at 14 days before calving and then again at 7 days after calving to better manage energy levels around calving. The combination of these two programs is visualized in the table below.
Proactive: For optimal results and herd success
| TRANSITION + UTERINE HEALTH & FERTILITY PROGRAM |
1x AHV Booster Bolus
1x AHV Milk Start Paste or 2x Bolus
(repeat bolus after 12- 24 hours)
1x AHV Aspi Bolus
1x AHV Metri Bolus
1x AHV Booster Bolus
Sources
Fikadu, W., Tegegne, D., Abdela, N., & Ahmed, W. M. (2016). Milk fever and its economic consequences in dairy cows: A review. Global Veterinaria, 16(5), 441-452.
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Would you like to be visited by an advisor to discuss the health challenges on your farm together? Our AHV Farm Advisor will be happy to visit you to jointly assess the health of your cows and come up with appropriate cow-specific advice.
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