Effects of acid-base disturbances caused by differences in dietary fixed ion balance on kinetics of calcium metabolism in ruminants with high calcium demand.

Effects of subclinical metabolic acid-base disturbances, caused by dietary fixed ion imbalances on kinetics of calcium (Ca) metabolism were examined in eucalcemic caprine does (period 1) and does during simulated lactational Ca loss (period 2). In both experiments, Ca balance data and serial blood, fecal and urine samples were collected after an iv injection of 45Ca. In period 2, lactational Ca loss was simulated by continuous infusion of ethylene glycol-bis (beta-amino ethyl ether)N,N,N'N'-tetraacetic acid (EGTA) to standardize the loss of Ca among goats. The data were fit to a four-compartment model of Ca metabolism. In period 1, fixed anion excess, [sodium + potassium - chloride] = -2 meq/100 g diet dry matter (ANEX) increased urinary Ca excretion relative to fixed cation excess, [sodium + potassium - chloride] = 71 meq/100 g diet dry matter (CATEX). Consequently, rates of Ca absorption and resorption were elevated in goats made acidotic by dietary fixed anion excess. During period 2 (EGTA infusion), urinary Ca loss was elevated to similar levels in goats fed ANEX and CATEX, but Ca absorption remained higher in goats fed ANEX. Consequently, size of the exchangeable Ca pool, accretion rate and balance across bone were higher in these goats. Fixed anion excesses (found in corn silage and grains) cause subclinical metabolic acidosis, which elevates rates of Ca absorption but does not affect size of the exchangeable Ca pool. Fixed cation excesses (associated with diets containing alfalfa and buffers) cause subclinical metabolic alkalosis, which diminishes Ca absorption and urinary Ca excretion. Acidosis-induced hypercalciuria is the metabolic cost of maintaining high prepartum Ca absorption rates and high flux of Ca through the exchangeable Ca pool that may aid in adjustment to sudden Ca losses at parturition.