Abstract: The invention concerns the use of calcium formate in the form of orally administrable compositions for purposes of prophylaxis and metaphylaxis of calcium deficiency in animals. The object of the present invention is a calcium compound extensively precluding the partly pathological tissue irritations in the animal stomach-intestine tract while evincing adequately high calcium content in a comparatively small administered volume. The invention rests on the surprising insight that the drawbacks known in the state of the art can be averted by using calcium formate in the form of orally administrable compositions in the prophylaxis, therapy and metaphylaxis of calcium-deficiency symptoms. In particular the solution of the invention relates to using calcium formate bound into a gel or a paste.