Minerals, in particular micronutrients such as copper, manganese, zinc, selenium and chromium, deliver health benefits for high-yielding dairy cows. The availability of nutrients is particularly important during the transition period (between 3 weeks prepartum to 3-4 weeks postpartum), which is a highly vulnerable time in the production cycle that determines the health status of lactating cows, their milk yield and reproductive performance. In cows, prolonged mineral deficiency can produce subclinical symptoms of nutrient deficiency and, if untreated, can lead to a clinical presentation of the disorder. Less severe deficiencies, in particular micronutrient deficiencies, are more difficult to identify because they induce only minor functional and structural changes in the body, but together with energy metabolism disorders, they can lead to oxidative stress and immunosuppression, in particular in the transition period. Micronutrient supplements reduce the harmful effects of free radicals because the majority of micronutrients form the active centers of antioxidant enzymes. Dietary supplementation promotes reproductive performance, healthy fetal development and immunity. Micronutrients alleviate bacterial infections associated with mastitis, lower somatic cell counts in milk and minimize the risk of metabolic diseases caused by a negative energy balance. This study discusses the role of the major micronutrients in cattle nutrition and their effect on the health status of transition cows.

22.4.2017