Prediction of postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia using prepartum serum macromineral concentrations in Saanen and Beetal dairy goats

The Saanen and Beetal goats are currently the most popular dairy goat breeds in many countries, including Iran. Subclinical hypocalcemia is common in dairy goats during the first few days of lactation similar to that in cattle. The aim of the study was to predict postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia in dairy goats using prepartum serum magnesium, inorganic phosphorous, and potassium concentrations. Blood samples from 280 Saanen and 340 Beetal dairy goats were collected 10 days before and 1 day after parturition. Total serum calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium concentrations were quantified. The results of final logistic regression confirmed the association between prepartum serum concentration of magnesium and subclinical hypocalcemia at parturition in goats. A combination of prepartum serum magnesium, inorganic phosphorous, and potassium concentration variables using logistic and multiple linear regression models improved postpartum subclinical hypocalcemia predictive ability.