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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Ruminant Diseases and Immunology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #80909
Title: CALCIUM AND VITAMIN D METABOLISM DURING LACTATION

Author
item Horst, Ronald
item Goff, Jesse
item Reinhardt, Timothy

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/13/1997
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Calcium transfer to the fetus in late pregnancy and the subsequent transfer of calcium to milk represent the greatest challenges to calcium homeostasis in adult animals. The adaptation of the maternal calcium homeostatic mechanisms is the result of a complex interplay between calciotropic hormones and the tissues, intestine, bone, and kidney, responsible for providing the large amounts of calcium needed to support fetal skeletal growth and lactation. In this review, we will discuss general calcium homeostasis followed by a review of the specific adaptations required by the human, rat, and cow to meet fetal and lactational demands for calcium. Finally, we will review what is known about the regulation of calcium transfer from the plasma to the milk.