Effects of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 on localisation and extent of gastrointestinal calcium absorption in dairy cattle

The combination of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25-OHD3) and a diet negative in dietary cation anion difference (DCAD) has recently been shown to have beneficial effects on peripartal calcium (Ca) homeostasis in dairy cows. To further elucidate the underlying mechanisms, it was the aim of the experiments to investigate the effects of 25-OHD3 in combination with DCAD values about -70 meq/kg DM on pre-duodenal and overall gastrointestinal Ca absorption. A group of six ruminally fistulated lactating cows equipped with a cannula in the proximal duodenum were assigned to three dietary treatments (Control diet, anionic salts, anionic salts +25-OHD3) of 5 weeks each. Urine and faeces were collected quantitatively and flow of duodenal contents was calculated by applying chromium oxide. Blood samples were taken at regular intervals. Treatment with anionic salts and 25-OHD3 resulted in an increased Ca net absorption from the total gastrointestinal tract, which was mainly due to respective increases in intestinal Ca absorption. Furthermore, anionic salts and 25-OHD3-treated animals had significantly higher plasma phosphate concentrations and lower plasma levels of CrossLaps and the overall net absorption of phosphorus was significantly higher in these animals. From these data, it can be concluded that anionic salts in combination with 25-OHD3 positively influence the overall net Ca and phosphorus absorption, which is obviously associated with a reduced mobilisation of bone minerals as indicated by decreases in plasma CrossLaps concentrations.