Ensure Udder Health to make Dairying Profitable
AniMeta AgriTech (YourFarm)
Building Antibiotic Free Animal Healthcare | Quality milk for human consumption |
Mastitis is the infection that affects udder of cows resulting in loss of milk production and Vis-à-vis profitability. Incidence of clinical mastitis happen when the cow is at its peak milk yield , may be at least during the first three months after calving so it is imperative that the immune system is functioning properly at this time of high stress for the cow.
The teat canal is the first defence against pathogens, providing a physical barrier and antimicrobial substances. When bacteria breach the teat canal, milk leukocytes provide a second defence by ingesting pathogens. Tightness of closure and keratin lining) inhibit penetration of udder pathogens. Approximately 40% of the keratin lining is removed at each milking and therefore, it requires constant regeneration. Consequently, it is important to ensure that there is closure of the teat canal post-milking.
Vitamin E ,Vitamin A and minerals, such as Selenium, Copper, Zinc and Positive energy balance during the periparturient period enhance cow’s immunity in general and udder immunity in particular against diseases, such as mastitis. Vitamin E is an Anti-oxidant and also is an integral component of all lipid membranes and has a role in protecting lipid membranes from attack by high tissue concentrations of reactive oxygen species The Vitamin E in combination with Selenium improves the immune system of udder. While the Vitamin E decrease the incidence of Mastitis, the selenium reduces the duration of infection. Combining these two supplements results in the greatest increase in defence against mastitis.
Selenium is an essential micronutrient physiologically because it is an integral component of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase . Glutathione peroxidase is an antioxidant enzyme with the capacity to scavenge free radicals. This is in turn helps to prevent lipid peroxidation and maintain intracellular homeostasis as well as redox balance .
The PolyMorphonuclear Neutrophils (PMN) functions as phagocyte. Vitamin E and Se deficiency leads to impaired PMN activity. Dietary supplementation of cows with Se and Vitamin E results in more rapid PMN influx and increased intracellular killing of ingested bacteria by PMN . Cows should be supplemented with both selenium and Vitamin E together. Vitamin E supplementation reduces the risk of intramammary infection (IMI) and Vitamin E supplementation during the dry and early lactation periods is associated with lower IMI, somatic cell count and clinical mastitis.
Fresh forages are the main source of vitamin E. The Vitamin E level is decreased as the plant matures and also when it is dried or ensiled and stored. When adequate grazing is available the cows get enough Vitamin E.
Vitamin A and Beta carotene are also associated with severity of infection in the udder. The low vitamin A concentration in serum after calving predisposed the cow to a higher somatic cell count during lactation
Copper : Copper is necessary to increase the resistance to E. coli mastitis.
Zinc : Zinc is also an integral part of the immune system. Zinc is important for production of keratin, which lines the inside of the teat duct and helps to keep out micro-organisms that can cause mastitis
Positive Energy balance : During the transition period and in the first three months of milk production the dairy cow experience negative energy balance, which can have a major impact on the immune response.
Recommended Feeding Levels in Total Ration of Cows:
• Vitamin E: 1000 IU/day for dry cows, 500 IU/day for lactating cows
• Selenium: 0.3 ppm
• Copper: 20 ppm
• Zinc: 40-60 ppm
Though the Selenium, Copper and Zinc are supplemented in feed, their form determines their bio-availability level and the extent of utilization in cows.
Followings are the level of Selenium , Copper and Zinc level in some Indian common feeds offered to cows.
In addition following proper milking management practices like pre- and post-milking teat dipping and providing cows with a clean ,dry and comfortable shed environment improves the udder health.
To conclude ,maintaining Positive Energy balance , proper Vitamin A ,Vitamin E, Selenium, Copper and Zinc levels in cows during the Transition period and peak milk production phase and following good milking practices will increase the level of immunity and maintain good health in the Udder
About the Author
Prof Dr M Murugan- Consultant, Animal Nutrition, Animeta AgriTech YourFarm . Former Dean, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chennai. Animal Nutrition Specialist with 35+ years of experience in the field of Teaching, Research and Technology transfer to farming communities. His field of Research is Fodder production with special emphasis to Agroforestry systems and the class of livestock is small ruminant. Dr. M.Murugan has published 43 Research papers in both National and International Journals. He has also published 45 Popular articles ,authored 5 books and 2 manuals. His research articles are cited in several text books. He is the member of several Professional bodies like Indian Poultry Science Association Dairy Technology Society of India , Animal Nutrition Society of India and Tamil Nadu Veterinary Council.