elements, including copper, zinc and selenium. Interestingly, the most common time for animals to become infected is during the dry period, making good dry cow management crucial to minimise the chance of clinical mastitis. Copper is known to affect the phagocytotic action of some white blood cells, and benefits to udder health have been shown with copper supplementation. Scaletti et al. (2003) not- ed that dairy cows supplemented with copper exhibited a less severe infection following an E. coli challenge, compared with non-supplemented animals. Another function of copper linked to the efficacy of the immune system is the copper-containing enzyme complex cytochrome c oxidase. Reduced levels of this complex affect the capacity of neutrophils to neutralise patho- gens via respiratory burst (Jones and Suttle, 1987). In addition to its antioxidant role, selenium also regulates im- mune function (Ibeagha et al., 2009), and selenium-deficient animals are usually immunocompromised. In dairy cows, se- lenium influences both the acquired and adaptive immune systems, including antibody production, cell proliferation, cytokine production and neutrophil function (Larsen, 1993; Ndiweni and Finch, 1995). Zinc is a crucial component of pro- teins involved in nearly all metabolic processes, as well as DNA-binding proteins and transcription factors. Deficiency can lead to parakeratosis, evident by thickened, hardened and cracked skin. Because one of the critical barriers to udder


infection is the integrity of the integument covering the teat, any compromise to the skin can increase the risk of infection via the teat canal.


Organic trace minerals in action Selenium, zinc, copper and manganese all play a vital role in supporting immune function, which aids in addressing udder infections. The use of organic trace minerals (such as Bioplex® and Sel-Plex®


from Alltech) can play a crucial role in maintain-


ing normal reproductive and immune function as well as ud- der health. These organic trace minerals allow the animal to build up reserves for use during periods of stress, such as calving and early lactation. Alltech has shown that this mod- ern approach can optimise performance at significantly lower inclusion levels. Research has linked the supplementation of trace elements with lowered SCC (Foltys et al., 2004).


Conclusion There is a significant economic advantage to be gained by improving reproductive efficiency and udder health in dairy herds. Strategies to promote these aspects should be multi- factorial; however, nutrition can play a vital role in maximis- ing optimal fertility and immune function. Optimal supply of key trace minerals is crucial to support the cow through her production life.


▶DAIRY GLOBAL | Volume 7, No. 1, 2020 17


Promoting ud- der and teat in- tegrity goes a long way toward reducing the risk of infection.


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