Effect of Trace Mineral Source on Lactation Performance, Claw Integrity, and Fertility of Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Two hundred fifty multiparous and primiparous cows were assigned to a study at approximately 70 d prepartum to determine the effect of trace mineral source on lactation performance, claw integrity, and fertility. Cows received treatments from 3 wk prepartum through wk 35 postpartum. Treatments consisted of 1) all supplemental Zn, Mn, Cu, and Co provided in sulfate form (Sulfate) and 2) 360 mg of Zn, 200 mg of Mn, 125 mg of Cu, and 12 mg of Co supplied daily by Sulfate minerals replaced with similar amounts of minerals supplied by Availa-4 (CTM). Individuals involved with daily animal care or data recording, or both, were blinded to treatment assignments. Cows from all treatments were housed in common pens, and treatments were dispensed to cows via a computerized feeder. All claws of cows were examined before treatment administration and at 16 and 36 wk postpartum by personnel trained in identifying claw lesions. Cows fed the CTM diet tended to produce more milk and energy-corrected milk than cows fed the Sulfate diet. Cows fed the CTM diet also produced more milk protein and solids (fat + protein) than cows fed the Sulfate diet. Replacing Sulfate minerals with those supplied by CTM decreased incidence of sole ulcers at wk 36 postpartum and tended to decrease incidence of interdigital dermatitis at wk 16 and 36 postpartum. Severity of heel erosion tended to be less for cows fed CTM than cows receiving the Sulfate diet. Despite first service conception rates tending to be greater for cows fed the Sulfate diet, there was no effect of treatment on rate of conception. A greater percentage of cows fed the Sulfate diet tended to be culled from the herd before wk 36 postpartum than cows fed the CTM diet. Replacing Sulfate minerals with CTM resulted in improved lactation performance and claw integrity.

The Role of Zinc, Manganse and Copper in Rumen Metabolism and Immune Function: A Review Article

“…Based on the lack of differences in health and productive performance the authors suggest that mineral content of liver is not an accurate predictor of cow's response to different sources and levels of trace minerals. In agreement, [34] suggest that Zn, Mn, and Cu content of liver is a poor indicator of trace mineral status. According to [2], the supposed benefits of organic sources of Zn on Zn availability claimed in studies conducted in monogastrics cannot be adopted in ruminants since phytic acid, a major antagonist of Zn absorption, is largely hydrolyzed in the rumen.…”

“…Liver concentration of minerals was unaffected by mineral source, but supplementation with organic minerals resulted in increased milk solids and a decreased incidence of sole ulcers [34]. In another large scale study conducted on 573 dairy cows [35], supplementing 75% of the requirement of Zn as Zn methionine achieved the same hepatic Zn concentration than supplementing 100% of the requirement as ZnSO 4 .…”

Efecto de la suplementación parenteral del cobre sobre la ganancia de peso de toros en ceba

“…Nevertheless, the excess 104 g of digestible protein that is easily fermented in the rumen (PDIN), which favors sulphur concentrations in the rumen as a result of the increased microorganism activity. S is an important component for thyomolybdate formation, and is considered to be one of the main Cu antagonists (17).…”

“…El S es un componente importante para la formación de los tiomolibdatos y está considerado como uno de los más importantes antagonistas del Cu (17).…”

Fundamentals of Zinc, Manganese and Copper in the Metabolism of the Rumen and Immune Function

“…The hepatic concentration of minerals is not affected by the mineral source, but the supplementation in organic minerals, milk solids has resulted an increase and a decrease in the incidence of sole ulcers (Siciliano- Jones et al, 2008). In another large scale study carried out on 573 dairy cows (Nocek et al, 2006), supplementing 75% of the requirement of Zn, Zn methionine reached the same concentration of hepatic Zn than supplementing 100% of the requirement as ZnSO4.…”