Serum calcium and glucose as predictors of postpartum reproductive complications

MARYAM KARIMI  DEHKORDI

doi:10.56093/ijans.v96i6.171168

Authors

MARYAM KARIMI DEHKORDI Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran

https://doi.org/10.56093/ijans.v96i6.171168

Keywords:

Calcium, Dairy Cow, Glucose, Postpartum Diseases, ROC analysis

Abstract

Transition period in dairy cows is a critical phase that increases susceptibility to reproductive disorders. The study evaluated whether serum calcium and glucose levels around calving can predict common postpartum complications like retained placenta, metritis, dystocia, and ovarian cysts. Blood samples were collected from 82 multiparous Holstein cows prepartum and at calving. Serum calcium and glucose were compared between healthy and diseased cows using t-tests. ROC analysis was used to establish predictive thresholds. No significant difference was found in serum glucose concentrations between healthy and diseased cows at either time point. Serum calcium was significantly lower at parturition in cows with metritis, retained placenta, and in the overall unhealthy group. ROC analysis identified prepartum glucose and calcium as predictors for dystocia and retained placenta, respectively. Calcium at parturition were predictive of metritis and general health status. Logistic regression revealed that cows with prepartum glucose below 49.5 mg/dL had an 8-fold increased odds of dystocia. Similarly, prepartum calcium below 8.4 mg/dL was associated with an 11-fold increase in the odds of retained placenta. At parturition, calcium levels below 7.85 mg/dL and 7.9 mg/dL increased the odds of metritis and overall morbidity by 10 and 7 times, respectively. Calcium status around calving was a key determinant of postpartum reproductive health in dairy cows. Reduced calcium levels were strongly associated with metritis, retained placenta, and overall morbidity (presence of at least one disorder), while glucose showed limited predictive value except for dystocia. Monitoring calcium dynamics could support early detection, targeted intervention, and improved herd health.

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