Role of micronutrients in managing bovine udder health in ICAR-CIWA Annual Report 2022 87 changing climatic scenario of Indian subtropical region.

Abstract

The impairment of mammary defense during summer and hot-humid season resulted oxidative stress to impairmammary gland defense by reducing activity of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and lymphocytes together with decreased level of certain cytokines. Supplementation of micronutrients such as vitamin E, Vitamin A /beta-carotene, selenium, copper and zinc have a beneficial effect to reduce the occurrence or severity o f mastitis by improving udder immunity and antioxidant status. But, the bioavailability and efficacy o f these compounds depend upon the source, dose and time of supplementation. Most of the studies recommended supplementing the micronutrients during peripartum and dry periods. A combination of vitamins and minerals is recommended than supplementing individual compounds. Traditional feeding practices and lack of awareness among Indian dairy farmers are the major constraints to achieve optimum responses of nutritional supplementation to promote udder health. Therefore, an appropriate nutritional strategy needs to be implemented together with other hygienic practices to reduce mastitis under changing climatic conditions of the Indian sub-tropical region