INFLUENCE OF ORALLY-ADMINISTERED CALCIUM- CHLORIDE UPON PLASMA-CONCENTRATIONS OF MINERALS AND ENZYME-ACTIVITIES IN HEALTHY PARTURIENT CATTLE

Calcium chloride given orally is frequently used in prevention of hypo calcaemic disorders. However, the influence of CaCl2 given orally on t he concentrations of plasma calcium ion (Ca2+) and metabolic parameter s has not been entirely examined. Therefore 10 clinically healthy, par turient heifers received 4 times 180 g CaCl2 in Soya oil (24 h ante pa rtum, at partus, 12 and 24 h post parium). 6 heifers served as untreat ed controls. The plasma pH, the concentrations of total calcium (CaT), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium ion (Ca2+), sodium (Na+), p otassium (K+), chlorine (Cl-), glucose (GLU), creatinin (CREA), total protein (TP) and volatile fatty acids (NEFA), and activities of creati n kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (AP), aspartat amino transferase ( AST) and glutamic dehydrogenase (GLDH) were examined in intervals of 4 or 12 h from 48 h ante parium to 72 h post partum. The comparison of the two groups showed that CaCl2 given orally induced an increase in t he concentrations of plasma Ca2+ but not CaT, and a decline of plasma pH, P and Mg2+ concentrations. The activity of plasma CK and GLDH and concentration of CREA increased slightly in cattle treated with CaCl2 when compared to controls. Values within the pathological range of par ameters examined have not been observed at any sampling. Animals given CaCl2 orally showed temporarily apathy, anorexia, salivation and decl ined rumen motility.