Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of blood and milk zinc concentration on somatic cell count, milk production and occurrence of subclinical mastitis cases. The study was performed on thirty Holstein cows approximate same body weight, ages 3 to 5 years, with equally milk production. Blood samples were taken after the morning milking from the caudal vein and milk from all four quarters was taken during morning milking. All samples of blood and milk were taken to determined zinc, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. 37.67% (11/30) cows have blood serum zinc concentration below 7?mol/l, and 63.33% or 19/30 cows have blood serum zinc concentration higher then 13?mol/l. Also 30% (9/30) cows have somatic cell count lower then 400.000/ml which indicate absence of subclinical mastitis, but 70% (21/30) cows have somatic cell count higher then 400.000/ml which indicate subclinical mastitis. According to all results in this research, zinc has very important influence on reducing subclinical mastitis and somatic cell count in milk of dairy cows.
Highlights
Adequate mineral nutrition may be used as a strategy to optimize immune system function by the reduction of metabolic and oxidative stress and it may have a positive effect on defense mechanisms on mammary gland against mastitis (Weiss and Wyatt, 2002; Cortinhas et al, 2010)
The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of blood and milk zinc concentration on somatic cell count, milk production and occurrence of subclinical mastitis cases
It is noticed that cows with low blood zinc concentration have high somatic cell count and lower milk production
Summary
Adequate mineral nutrition may be used as a strategy to optimize immune system function by the reduction of metabolic and oxidative stress and it may have a positive effect on defense mechanisms on mammary gland against mastitis (Weiss and Wyatt, 2002; Cortinhas et al, 2010). Zinc is involved in the keratinization of epithelial tissue. These tissues include the lining of the streak canal of teats which is the port of entry to the udder of mastitis- causing microorganisms. Zinc is involved in the maintenance of immune status. Zinc deficiency might be a factor in predisposing cows to mastitis and high milk somatic cell count (Whitaker et al, 1997; Meglia et al, 2004; Cortinhas et al, 2010). High somatic cell count reflects subclinical mastitis, which is reputed to cause a greater loss of milk to the dairy industry than clinical cases. With high somatic cell count in milk attracting financial penalties it is important for farmers and their advisers that such claims are soundly based and correct (Whitaker et al, 1997)
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