Subclinical Hypocalcemia in Dairy Cows: Reproductive and Economic Impacts on Eastern European Farms

Daniel Berean^*Marian BogdanRaluca Cimpean

• University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania

This study examined the association between postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia (SCHC) and reproductive and economic performance in dairy cows from three commercial farms in Eastern Europe. A total of 312 cows, including Holstein-Friesian and Romanian Spotted breeds, were monitored during the first 60 days postpartum. Blood calcium levels were measured to classify cows into SCHC and normocalcemic groups. The incidence of SCHC was 42.9%, with multiparous cows being more frequently affected. SCHC cows exhibited longer service periods, extended calving intervals, and required more artificial insemination attempts compared to normocalcemic cows. Mastitis incidence and somatic cell counts were moderately higher in the SCHC group, particularly within the first 30 days postpartum. Although no significant differences in milk yield were observed between groups, cows with SCHC incurred higher indirect costs due to reproductive inefficiencies and udder health issues. The economic analysis revealed that SCHC cows generated approximately 54 EUR more in additional costs per animal compared to normocalcemic cows. The findings highlight the importance of SCHC as a hidden contributor to economic losses in dairy farms and underscore the need for improved monitoring and prevention strategies to enhance herd health and productivity in the transition period.