Calcium metabolism in cows receiving an intramuscular injection of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 combined with prostaglandin F2alpha closely before parturition

To determine the effect of exogenous 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] combined with induced parturition on calcium (Ca) metabolism, cows received a single intramuscular injection of 1,25(OH)2D3 and prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) closely before calving. Ten late-pregnant, multiparous Holstein cows were assigned to 1,25(OH)2D3 group (five treated with both 1,25(OH)2D3 and PGF2alpha) and control group (five treated with PGF2alpha). 1,25(OH)2D3 group showed an increase in plasma Ca concentration around parturition, whereas control group revealed a decrease in plasma Ca level. Plasma Ca concentration in 1,25(OH)2D3 group were significantly higher than that in control group during .0.5 to 3 days after parturition.

Analgesic effect of caudal epidural ketamine in cattle

This study was performed to clarify the analgesic effect of ketamine injected into the first intercoccygeal (Co1-Co2) epidural space in standing cattle. Five adult cows were randomly received 3 treatments at least 1 week interval: 5, 10 and 20 mL of 5% ketamine. Sedation, analgesia, ataxia and other effects on cardiopulmonary and rumen functions were assessed before ketamine administration and until 120 min. The analgesia without sedation was shown at tail and perineum about 5 min after all three treatments. The duration of analgesia was significantly increased according to the volume of ketamine (p < 0.01). There was a similar tendency of ataxia with individual variation. There were minimal effects on cardiopulmonary and rumen functions. The present study showed that caudal epidural ketamine administration induced analgesia without sedation in cows, and the duration of analgesia was dose dependent with ataxia. However, the duration of analgesia after 5 and 10 mL ketamine administration is short for common surgical procedures and pain relief of perineum. Further studies are needed to prolong the duration of analgesia without side effects.