Potential Use of 1,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol for Prevention of Parturient Paresis

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Abstract
Cows (12) at least 3rd parity, were assigned randomly to either a control or treatment group. Treated cows received .4 mg of the vitamin D metabolite, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol i.m. in 5 ml corn oil. I.m. injections were started 5 days before predicted calving with reinjections every 5 days until calving. Incidence of parturient paresis was 0 and 33% (2 of 6) in the treated and control groups. Response to treatment was rapid with elevated Ca in serum approximately 12 h postinjection. Treatment maintained or elevated Ca and P concentrations in serum during the critical period, 24 h pre- to 48 h postpartum, when milk fever is most likely to occur. There was no significant difference between treatments at 72 h postpartum. Based on these observations 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol holds promise as a preventative of parturient paresis. Further studies are needed on application and safety.