Biochemical indicators of bone metabolic activity in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) during late pregnancy and early lactation

Blood levels of calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, osteocalcin, inta ct parathyroid hormone, calcitonin, alkaline phosphatase activity, creatini ne and thyroid hormones were estimated in 10 healthy buffalo during late pr egnancy (30, 15 days and 7 days before calving), within 12 h after calving and 7-15-30-45 and 60 days after calving. The almost constant sl-mm levels of calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone, and the low calcitonin concentration indicate that these buffalo need to utilize only a little of their endogenous mineral resources. Bone-turnover could be demonstrated by variations in the serum levels of osteocalcin and alkaline phosphatase acti vity. A study of these bone markers could be useful for other research purp oses and for future clinical application in pathological conditions.