Hypocalcaemia in pregnant and lactating goats (distribution, etiology, diagnostic methods)

The article presents the results of studies on the prevalence, etiology, and methods of diagnosing hypocalcemia in pregnant and lactating goats of Zaanen, Alpine, Nubian, and Lamancha dairy breeds of 1–4 years of age, with a productivity of 750–1050 kg per lactation. Subclinical hypocalcemia was diagnosed in 45,3 % of goats, including 44,0 % of lactating goats (75–90 and 120–140 days of gestation) and 46,3 % of lactating animals (0–2; 15–25 and 50–60 days after lambing). Clinically expressed hypocalcaemia was diagnosed in 5,2 % of goats in the first 24–48 hours after lambing. The following clinical signs characterized the subclinical course of hypocalcemia: a) slight depression of the general condition; b) decreased body weight (BCS 1,5–2,0); c) decreased appetite; d) incisor shakiness; e) hypotension of the foregut; f) unsteady gait; g) muscle tremors; h) lactation and isolated cases of mastitis and metritis in lactating goats in the first days after lambing. It has been established that the leading causes of hypocalcemia in goats are, first of all, violations of the feeding regime and diet structure during pregnancy and lactation. The role of the nutritional factor lies in the unbalanced and insufficient feeding of animals, in particular, the deficiency of macro- (Ca, P and their ratio, Mg), microelements (Zn, Cu, I), a pronounced deficiency of vitamins A and D, as well as the lack of motivation and insufficient natural insolation of animals. In addition, goats' diets often noted a lack of metabolic energy, dry matter, crude fat, and a deficiency of readily fermentable sugar and starch carbohydrates. In the studied goats with liver pathology and functional renal failure (hepatorenal syndrome), the development of secondary hypocalcaemia was diagnosed.