Comparison of urine pH and Ca excretion of multiparous Holstein cows and Brangus steers in response to anionic salt supplementation

Abstract

Anionic salts are widely used to prevent clinical hypocalcemia (milk fever) in dairy cattle (Goff and Horst, 2003) and their effects have often been determined in Holstein cows. At the University of New England, Brangus steers (ca. 25% 'Bos indicus' content) have been selected for use in studies of anionic salts on calcium metabolism. However, the effects of anionic salts may differ between yearling crossbred beef steers and mature Holstein cows. Kurosaki et et al. (2007) showed that Holstein heifers had a much greater ability than Holstein cows to adapt to rapid changes in Ca excretion and Horst et al. (1990) showed that an increase in age is associated with a decrease in the concentration of vitamin D receptors in the intestine and bone.