The effect of subclinical hypocalcaemia induced by Na₂EDTA on the feed intake and chewing activity of dairy cows

The effects of induced subclinical hypocalcaemia (SCHC) on feed intake and chewing activity during eating and rumination were studied in dairy cows. Two non-lactating and non-pregnant cows were subjected to three different treatments, with one test per day, such that the plasma free (ionized) calcium (_FCa) concentration was maintained at the eucalcaemic level or at one of two constant SCHC levels. The cows and test days followed a 2 × 3 crossover design. SCHC was maintained for 7 h by repeatedly infusing 5% Na₂EDTA so that constant _FCa concentrations of 0.8 mmol/L or 0.6 mmol/L in plasma were achieved. Control conditions were achieved by infusing isotonic saline. Feed intake and the number of the rumination periods were recorded during test days. The proportion of feed eaten during each test meal (EatPro) was related to the mean plasma _FCa. An almost linear decrease in EatPro was observed when the plasma _FCa was 0.6-0.9 mmol/L. The cows showed no other clinical signs of hypocalcaemia during Na₂EDTA-infusion. The time spent chewing during eating and rumination, and the number of rumination periods during a test day, decreased with a decline in plasma _FCa concentration. It was concluded that induced SCHC depresses the feed intake and ruminative activity of dairy cows.