Evaluation of serum calcium concentration in cattle of Kerman suburbs flocks.

This study was conducted to evaluate the calcium concentration of serum in dairy cattle of Kerman suburb flocks. Sera were collected from 200 healthy cattle of dairy farms in Kerman city and serum calcium concentration was measured. Mean serum calcium concentration decreased significantly (p≤0.05) in wet and cold seasons in comparison with dry and hot seasons in healthy animals. Also cattle with poor calcium diet had low serum calcium concentration. This study revealed that, serum calcium concentration decreased in aged group and the decline in aged animals was higher than young animals. Gender differences did not affect serum calcium concentration. In conclusion, season, diet and age are contributing factors on serum calcium concentration in cattle.