Serum profile of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium in crossbred heifers as influenced by gestation and early lactation.

The serum profile of certain macroelements such as calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium of healthy crossbred heifers in Kerala were estimated before and after conception, at different stages of pregnancy and early lactation. The serum concentration of calcium showed a decreasing trend during second trimester of pregnancy which attained significantly lower (P < 0.01) value (5.57 mg/dl) when compared to controls. By the ninth month of pregnancy calcium level was elevated. The serum phosphorus level was significantly higher (P < 0.01) during the fifth month of pregnancy (8.29 mg/dl) when compared to controls and then it was decreased by the 9th month of pregnancy. The serum magnesium level showed an increasing tendency to attain a peak value (2.55 mg/dl) by the 9th month of pregnancy which was significantly higher (P < 0.01) when compared to the control. During the period of study no production diseases were encountered in the animals screened which indicated that the serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium profile of these animals were at the optimum level.