Subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows: reproductive and economic impacts on Eastern European farms
IntroductionThis study investigated the association between postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia (SCHC) and reproductive and economic performance in dairy cows. SCHC is often overlooked yet may contribute significantly to reduced productivity and profitability in dairy herds.MethodsA total of 312 cow...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Veterinary Science |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1596239/full |
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| author | Daniel Ionut Berean Liviu Marian Bogdan Raluca Cimpean |
| author_facet | Daniel Ionut Berean Liviu Marian Bogdan Raluca Cimpean |
| author_sort | Daniel Ionut Berean |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionThis study investigated the association between postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia (SCHC) and reproductive and economic performance in dairy cows. SCHC is often overlooked yet may contribute significantly to reduced productivity and profitability in dairy herds.MethodsA total of 312 cows, Holstein Friesian and Romanian Spotted breeds, from three commercial farms in Eastern Europe were monitored during the first 60 days postpartum. Blood calcium levels were measured to classify cows into SCHC and normocalcemic groups.ResultsThe incidence of SCHC was 42.9%, with multiparous cows more frequently affected. Cows with SCHC had longer service periods, extended calving intervals, and required more artificial insemination attempts than normocalcemic cows. Although milk yield did not differ significantly between groups, SCHC cows exhibited moderately higher mastitis incidence and somatic cell counts, especially within the first 30 days postpartum. These factors contributed to increased indirect costs. Economic analysis indicated that SCHC cows incurred approximately 54 EUR more in additional costs per animal compared to normocalcemic cows.DiscussionSCHC is a hidden contributor to economic losses in dairy operations, primarily due to its negative impact on reproductive performance and udder health. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and preventive strategies to mitigate the effects of SCHC and improve herd productivity during the transition period. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-21d12a73a6034eeba764aa8492b1bef0 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2297-1769 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Veterinary Science |
| spelling | doaj-art-21d12a73a6034eeba764aa8492b1bef02025-08-20T03:50:17ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Veterinary Science2297-17692025-07-011210.3389/fvets.2025.15962391596239Subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows: reproductive and economic impacts on Eastern European farmsDaniel Ionut Berean0Liviu Marian Bogdan1Raluca Cimpean2Department of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaDepartment of Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaDepartment of Animal Breeding and Food Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, RomaniaIntroductionThis study investigated the association between postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia (SCHC) and reproductive and economic performance in dairy cows. SCHC is often overlooked yet may contribute significantly to reduced productivity and profitability in dairy herds.MethodsA total of 312 cows, Holstein Friesian and Romanian Spotted breeds, from three commercial farms in Eastern Europe were monitored during the first 60 days postpartum. Blood calcium levels were measured to classify cows into SCHC and normocalcemic groups.ResultsThe incidence of SCHC was 42.9%, with multiparous cows more frequently affected. Cows with SCHC had longer service periods, extended calving intervals, and required more artificial insemination attempts than normocalcemic cows. Although milk yield did not differ significantly between groups, SCHC cows exhibited moderately higher mastitis incidence and somatic cell counts, especially within the first 30 days postpartum. These factors contributed to increased indirect costs. Economic analysis indicated that SCHC cows incurred approximately 54 EUR more in additional costs per animal compared to normocalcemic cows.DiscussionSCHC is a hidden contributor to economic losses in dairy operations, primarily due to its negative impact on reproductive performance and udder health. These findings underscore the importance of early detection and preventive strategies to mitigate the effects of SCHC and improve herd productivity during the transition period.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1596239/fullsubclinical hypocalcemiadairy cowsreproductive performancemastitiseconomic impact |
| spellingShingle | Daniel Ionut Berean Liviu Marian Bogdan Raluca Cimpean Subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows: reproductive and economic impacts on Eastern European farms Frontiers in Veterinary Science subclinical hypocalcemia dairy cows reproductive performance mastitis economic impact |
| title | Subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows: reproductive and economic impacts on Eastern European farms |
| title_full | Subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows: reproductive and economic impacts on Eastern European farms |
| title_fullStr | Subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows: reproductive and economic impacts on Eastern European farms |
| title_full_unstemmed | Subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows: reproductive and economic impacts on Eastern European farms |
| title_short | Subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows: reproductive and economic impacts on Eastern European farms |
| title_sort | subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy cows reproductive and economic impacts on eastern european farms |
| topic | subclinical hypocalcemia dairy cows reproductive performance mastitis economic impact |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2025.1596239/full |
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