Postpartum

At calving, the large and sudden calcium demand associated with the expulsive phase, together with the marked calcium drain resulting from colostrum production, leads—even under optimal conditions—to a physiological reduction in blood calcium levels in the cow. This remains within the “physiological” range if the decrease is limited and transient, and if the cow is able to rapidly restore normal calcemia.

In addition, a condition of energy imbalance (or negative energy balance, NEB) occurs. This is a common condition in dairy cows immediately after calving, when the energy demand for milk production exceeds the energy intake provided by the diet. This situation has a significant impact on cow health and on its ability to maintain high productive and reproductive performance. This mechanism may lead to metabolic disorders, such as ketosis.