| abstract |
A method of preventing milk fever disease in dairy cattle which comprises administering to the cattle an active vitamin D compound together with a calcium supplement sufficient to provide at least 250 grams of total calcium per day. The active vitamin D compound is administered in a dosage range of 0.2-500mg depending upon the compound at priodic daily intervals of five days or less, and the calcium supplement is administered daily beginning at least five days prior to calving. The active vitamin D compound is preferably selected from 1α-OH-D₃, 1α-OH-D₂, 1α,25-(OH)₂D₃, 1α,25-(OH)₂D₂, 25-OH-D₂, 25-OH-D₃ and mixtures thereof. The calcium supplement comprises at least about 100 grams of calcium per day, and comprises a calcium compound selected from calcium salts of carbonate, phosphate, chloride, or acetate. |