ACID-BASE STATUS AND MINERAL METABOLISM I N HEALTHY COWS AT PARTURITION

Parturition and the onset of lactation impose a burden on the acid-bas e balance of cows. This was measured in five cows which calved normall y using the NABE levels in urine and lactate and FFA in blood. Peak co ncentration of FFA occurs at calving, while lactate levels increase du ring parturition and peak two days after. NABE levels decrease by almo st 100 mmol/l at parturition and remain relatively constant. The burde n on acid-base balance is more clearly shown by NABE concentration rat her than by the pH of urine. Changes in concentrations of K, P and Na are particularly associated with acidosis during the first 48 hours po st partum. Large individual variations in