A new trial at Cornell University shows low subclinical hypocalcemia levels in dairy cows supplemented with a calcium binder

Cornell University tested the efficiency of a calcium binder (X-Zelit®) for preventing hypocalcemia. Feeding low level calcium in the prepartum diet has shown to be effective in improving the calcium level at calving. However, as this is difficult to obtain using the commonly used feeds, binding the dietary calcium using X-Zelit can mimic the low calcium approach. Preliminary results from the trial were presented at the annual Cornell Nutrition Conference 2017. The overall conclusion was that X-Zelit markedly improved calcium status during the periparturient period.

The trial was performed at Cornell University during the spring of 2017. 55 multiparous cows were assigned to either the control or experimental (X-Zelit) group. In the experimental group, 500 g/d (1.1 lbs.) of X-Zelit was supplemented during the last 3 weeks prior to calving. The DCAD level of both rations was 14-15 mEq/100g.

The calcium level for the two groups is showed in figure 1. The figure shows that the calcium level was overall higher for the X-Zelit group compared to the control group.

Evolution Of Calcium In The Peripartum Period

The values of plasma calcium were higher for the X-Zelit group during the pre- and postpartum period. It took around one week before the calcium level of the control group did reach normal levels. The higher calcium level around calving shows that the cows own defence mechanism for preventing low calcium levels has been activated by the X-Zelit treatment. High plasma calcium level around calving is important for the health and production level of the animals.

The improved calcium status did decrease the prevalence of the subclinical hypocalcemia. The threshold for subclinical hypocalcemia was set to 8.5 mg/dl (2.125 mmol/L). The incidence of subclinical milk fever was much lower for the cows on X-Zelit than the control cows.

The result shows that the X-Zelit product is a highly efficient product for preventing subclinical hypocalcemia in high yielding cows fed a typical US ration.

Figure 2. Prevalence of hypocalcemia (serum Ca < 8.5 mg/dL (2.125 mmol/L)) by sampling timepoint. Significant differences (P<0.05) within a day are depicted with an asterisk.

X-Zelit was introduced by Vilofoss in 2008 to secure perfect calcium balance at calving. The product activates the cow’s natural process of mobilizing calcium, this ensures a perfect calcium balance at calving. The product has been successfully adapted in many countries around the world. The principle is simple; the very effective binding capabilities of X-Zelit binds calcium from the ration in the intestine, therefore making the calcium less available for absorption. At the time when the supply of the calcium binder is ceased at calving, the hormonal system is then primed and capable of sufficiently absorbing calcium into the blood and thereby to the udder. X-Zelit works independent of DCAD treatments, which make pre-diet feed formulation more simple as e.g. potassium level no longer need to be considered, late cut silage can be fed and non-fertilized hay is no longer necessary – and even better, no targeting of urine pH!

The effect of feeding sodium aluminum silicate in the prepartum period on serum mineral concentrations in multiparous Holstein Cows. Kerwin, A.L., Ryan, C.M., Leno, B.M. Jakobsen, M., Theilgaard, P., Overton, T.R. Presented at the 2017 Cornell Nutrition Conference for Feed Manufacturers, Syracuse, NY, USA