DIETA CÁTION-ANIÔNICA NA BOVINOCULTURA LEITEIRA: UMA REVISÃO

Abstract

The transition period in dairy cows, encompassing approximately three weeks before and three weeks after calving, is characterized by intense metabolic and physiological changes, which increase susceptibility to metabolic and reproductive disorders. Manipulation of the dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) has been extensively studied as a nutritional strategy to optimize acid-base balance, promote mineral homeostasis especially calcium and reduce the incidence of clinical and subclinical hypocalcemia. This review synthesizes the physiological and nutritional principles of cation-anion diets, their metabolic effects during the transition period, and their impacts on health, productive performance, and reproductive outcomes in dairy cows. The studies analyzed indicate that negative DCAD diets prepartum induce a mild compensated metabolic acidosis, increasing tissue sensitivity to parathyroid hormone (PTH) and stimulating intestinal absorption and bone mobilization of calcium. These effects lead to greater calcemic stability, lower incidence of metabolic disorders, maintenance of postpartum dry matter intake, and improved reproductive parameters in multiparous cows, such as higher conception rates at first insemination and reduced early culling. However, the magnitude of these effects depends on cow parity, duration of exposure to the anionic diet, mineral composition of the ration, and management conditions. In conclusion, negative DCAD diets during the prepartum period are an effective tool to prevent metabolic complications and optimize productive and reproductive performance in dairy cows. Practical implementation requires continuous monitoring of urinary pH, tailored nutritional adjustments, and adaptation to herd and production system characteristics. This review highlights the relevance of DCAD as a preventive nutritional strategy and emphasizes the need for further studies in tropical systems and zebuine breeds.