Search

The objetctive, with this study, was to investigate the consequences of subclinical hypomagnesemia on the metabolic parameters of dairy cows. Blood samples were collected from 12 animals every two days, between -22 pre and 22 days postpartum, for blood analysis and determining the metabolic profile. The animals were grouped according to magnesium blood concentrations: Hypomagnesemia group (n=5), with blood levels below 1.8 mg/dL in at least two consecutive days, and Control group (n=7), with blood levels above 1.8 mg/dL during the period. The hypomagnesemia group had higher levels of glucagon on days 10, 18 and 20 as well as glucagon/insulin ratio was higher on 6, 8, 10, 12 and 16 days after calving. The blood concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase in the hypomagnesemia group were higher during days 0, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 after calving. The results indicate that the low blood levels of magnesium during peripartum may be associated with elevated levels of aspartate amino transferase and glucagon in the blood. In general, subclinical hypomagnesemia does not alter the levels of indicators of energy metabolism, but the results show that cows with hypomagnesemia have a higher rate of glucagon/insulin, demonstrating a greater challenge to maintain glucose blood concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]