Horiba LAQUAtwin Ca-11C-1 for animal blood in a case with 1.25 mmol/l 25 ml and 2.50 mmol/l 25 ml standard solution and 250 ml cleaning solution

Application example: Determining ionized calcium in bovine blood with the Horiba LAQUAtwin CA-11C

A stable calcium metabolism is essential in cattle - especially during transitional phases such as lactation or stress-related metabolic disorders (e.g. milk fever). While serum total calcium levels initially fall, ionized calcium (Ca²⁺) is crucial for physiological functions such as muscle contraction, nerve conduction and enzyme control.

Inadequate control of ionized calcium levels (Ca²⁺) can have serious consequences for animal health, animal welfare and operating results. The period around calving is particularly critical - this is when the demand for available calcium increases massively, while at the same time the metabolic regulation system is often overwhelmed.

1. Clinical milk fever (parturient paresis)

• Trigger: Severely reduced Ca²⁺ level (< 1.0 mmol/l).
• Symptoms: Apathy, lying still, cold extremities, muscle tremors.
• Consequences: Intensive treatment necessary (infusion, monitoring), increased relapse rate.

2. Subclinical hypocalcemia

• Frequency: Occurs in up to 50% of freshly calved cows - often without externally recognizable symptoms.

• Consequences:
• Weaker labor, delayed postpartum.
• Uterine prolapse, retention.
• Reduced feed intake → ketosis, liver damage.
• Increased susceptibility to mastitis and abomasal displacement.

3. Performance losses and reproduction problems

• Low milk yield due to disturbed start to lactation.
• Delayed start of cycle, lower pregnancy rates.
• Increased remounting rate, higher veterinary costs.

4. Economic consequences

• Each case of clinical hypocalcemia costs an average of € 250-350 per animal.
• Subclinical hypocalcemia is often invisible but expensive - about €100-150 loss of performance and health per case.
• Loss of animal welfare and lifespan due to repeated calcium deficiency.

Why is ionized calcium measured?

Total calcium values (including protein binding) are not meaningful enough, especially in stressful situations or when albumin levels are altered. The albumin value refers to the concentration of albumin, an important protein, in the blood or urine. Only free, ionized calcium (Ca²⁺) is biologically active - and must be measured in order to be able to intervene correctly.

The lack of or inaccurate monitoring of ionized calcium poses high clinical, economic and animal ethical risks. The targeted use of devices such as the Horiba LAQUAtwin CA 11C allows early detection and immediate reaction - with great benefits for animal health and operational success.

The Horiba LAQUAtwin CA-11C is a portable hand-held measuring device that has been specially developed for measuring ionized calcium in the blood of cattle. In contrast to classic titration tests, it provides a precise measurement with high clinical relevance within 30-60 seconds.

The advantages of on-site measurement with a pocket tester are therefore obvious:

• Immediate results

Measured values are available directly on site - no need to send samples or wait for laboratory analyses.

• Mobility and flexibility

Pocket testers are compact, lightweight and battery-operated - ideal for mobile use at different locations.

• Cost efficiency

Lower costs compared to laboratory analyses or stationary measuring systems.

• Easy to use

Operation is usually intuitive, often with a digital display and one-button operation. There is no lengthy training phase for staff.

• Fast screening

Well suited for quick preliminary tests or routine measurements, e.g. for quality controls.

• Minimum sample volume

Only a small amount of the substance to be tested is required.

• Direct decision-making

Results can be used immediately to adapt measures.

• Versatility

Pocket testers are available for numerous measurement parameters: e.g. pH value, conductivity, temperature, salinity, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and more.

The Horiba bovine blood tester can be used in the following clinical scenarios:

• Milk fever prevention: In freshly calving cows (0-48 h post partum) daily monitoring of ionized calcium. Values < 1.05 mmol/l are considered critical - immediate oral or intravenous Ca supply recommended.
• Therapy monitoring: After calcium treatment in the stall (e.g. calcium gluconate), the success is checked: Target value > 1.25 mmol/l means safe resumption of physiological functions.
• Metabolic monitoring: In group housing, spot tests are carried out on the entire herd in order to detect subclinical hypocalcemia at an early stage and prevent swarming in advance.

What are the economic benefits of using the Horiba hand-held meter for cattle blood testing?

• Early detection of subclinical calcium deficiencies prevents loss of production and diseases - on average €0.5/cow/day more performance.

• Systematic intervention: Clean venous sample, Panasonic quality plastic spout and integrated temperature compensation ensure reproducible values.

• Time efficiency and mobility: No laboratory visit necessary - measurement directly on the animal, result in less than a minute.

• Documentation capability: Digital interfaces allow values to be fully documented - ideal for herd management, animal health reports and benchmarking.

Advantages of the Horiba LAQUAtwin CA 11C for measuring ionized calcium in bovine blood

1. Measurement of ionized calcium - not just total calcium

• Unlike many laboratory tests, the LAQUAtwin only measures the biologically active free calcium (Ca²⁺) - the decisive parameter for assessing acute calcium deficiency.
• Total calcium values can be distorted by changes in albumin or protein levels - the CA 11C avoids this problem.

2. On-site measurement - mobile, directly on the animal

• Compact hand-held device, no laboratory necessary.
• Quick decision in the barn, e.g. after calving or before calcium infusion.
• No delays due to transportation, shipping or laboratory times.

3. Minimally invasive - small amount of blood required

• Only 0.3-0.5 µl of heparin blood is sufficient - ideal for weak or freshly calved cows.
• Blood can be taken directly from the ear or tail vein using a capillary, for example.

4. Fast results

• Measured value available in approx. 30-60 seconds.
• Immediate interpretation possible - ideal for emergency decisions or monitoring.

5. Ease of use & hygiene

• Easy calibration and cleaning.
• Flat sensor surface - easy to disinfect.
• No sample dilution or chemical reagents required.

6. Economical & practical

• No equipment or laboratory complex required.
• Ideal for veterinarians, farmers and herd managers for routine monitoring in the field.
• Reusable, inexpensive sensor changes compared to disposable systems.

7. Can be digitized

• Values can be documented, saved and transferred to management systems via Bluetooth/USB (depending on model).

The following is a comparison of calcium meters for monitoring bovine blood - The LAQUAtwin CA 11C Pocket Tester from Horiba vs. alternatives

The Horiba LAQUAtwin CA-11C thus offers farmers, herd managers and veterinarians a mobile, fast and clinically sound instrument for targeted monitoring of ionized calcium in cattle. In critical production phases such as the dry period or directly after birth, it enables early detection of risks, optimized interventions and thus improved animal health and economic stability.

In summary, it can be said that the Horiba LAQUAtwin CA 11C has been specially designed for veterinary use in cows, with a focus on practicality, speed and biological accuracy. In fresh lactation, for milk fever control or in the metabolic profile, it provides decision-relevant values in real time, directly on the animal - without time-consuming and cost-intensive laboratory tests.