Efecto de la zeolita (Clinoptilolita) en los niveles de calcio sérico en vacas posparto del cantón Déleg

Abstract

Calcium concentration in postpartum cows is a key factor in one of the most significant metabolic issues in dairy production, as the high calcium demand associated with colostrum synthesis reduces calcium levels, leading to negative effects on the animal. In the pasture-based systems of the Ecuadorian highlands, where mineral nutrition is often limited, the use of natural additives such as clinoptilolite zeolite is proposed as an alternative to promote calcium balance. This study aims to determine the effect of clinoptilolite zeolite supplementation on serum calcium levels in postpartum cows in the Déleg canton. The study employed a quantitative experimental approach involving six multiparous crossbred cows kept under uniform management conditions. It included a control phase without supplementation and an experimental phase involving a daily dose of 300 g of zeolite (split into two feedings), with biochemical measurements of serum calcium taken on days 0, 15, and 30 of each phase. The dependent variable was serum calcium concentration (expressed in mg/dL), and the independent variable was the presence or absence of supplementation. The collected data were analyzed using ANOVA. The results showed no significant differences (p > 0.05) in serum calcium values between the control group and the supplemented experimental group (F = 0.48; p = 0.8568). These results suggest that, under the conditions evaluated, the inclusion of zeolite did not produce a statistically detectable effect on serum calcium levels. Keywords: hypocalcemia, serum calcium, clinoptilolite, postpartum cows, mineral supplementation