Hypocalcaemia In Sheep: A Literature Review

Abstract

Puerperal hypocalcaemia is a common and frequent metabolic pathology in cattle. This disease has not been studied as much in small ruminants as in cows. This medical condition is characterized by the depletion of calcium concentration after calving that appears as a consequence of the onset of lactation. There is an acute deficiency in calcium caused by this severe depletion of this mineral and the incapability of the animals to match the increasing demand through the usual homeostatic mechanisms. This disease has repercussions on the animal’s health, presenting mainly neurological and motor clinical signs. Therefore, it is important to prevent it with an adequate diet. In small ruminants there are certain differences in the moment at which the disease occurs, in the predisposing factors, and the clinical presentation.