The risk of new infections is high in the first week of drying off. Adequate trace mineral levels are essential for cow’s mammary glands to repair after a long lactation and prepare for the next one. In the final trimester there is a substantial increase in demand for trace minerals due to maternal transfer if trace minerals to the calf.

As the cow physiologically prepares for lactation and the stress of calving, the demands on her body at this stage are high. Her trace mineral status in the final pre partum weeks is sub optimal due to –

• Reduced daily intake of food by up to 30-35%
• Increased transfer of trace minerals to the calf

Research has shown that these cows are susceptible to oxidative stress. The dramatic changes in reduced immune defences can leave these animals at an increased risk of disease.

A study of 1,416 cows that had been supplemented with injectable trace minerals throughout this time showed-

• Improved udder health
• Reduced incidence of mastitis

With each case of mastitis costing around €300/cow/year, reducing cases has a significant impact on profitability.

Cows with a suboptimal trace mineral status before parturition often suffer from retained foetal membranes and other uterine diseases, as they are immune compromised due to oxidative stress.

Calves born to cows with increased oxidative stress can show decreased body weight at birth and increased susceptibility to disease.

Reducing oxidative stress and ensuring proper immunity and enzyme function can help to set up both the dam and calf as they commence on their next stages.

Higher yields generate higher profits, and cows suffering with oxidative stress are less productive - research has shown that cows with lower levels of milk production were found to have higher levels of oxidative stress.

It is well accepted that many cows will be working at a negative energy balance through lactation and a severe negative energy balance can be a factor for causing oxidative stress. Reducing oxidative stress may increase production.

A study showed that supplementing with a 4 in 1 trace mineral injectable supplement resulted in reduced cases of mastitis and a lower somatic cell count. With each case of mastitis costing around €300/cow/year, reducing cases has a significant impact on profitability.

Improving your herd’s fertility improves profits and reduces personal stress.

Oxidative stress can cause a reduction in fertility. Trace mineral deficiency can be linked to -

• Early embryonic death
• Reduced ovulation
• Reduced embryo growth
• Decreased spermatogenesis

A study on beef cows showed that using a 4 in 1 trace mineral injectable supplement resulted in an increased pregnancy rate, a greater body condition score from calving to breeding and the herd had an improved calving distribution.

Herds with a tighter calving interval have higher weaning weights and lower feed costs.

Supplemented Bulls showed that sperm motility and morphology were improved.

For an effective response to a vaccination, trace minerals are essential. When a vaccine is administered it depletes trace minerals. If stores are low, this results in a less effective response to vaccination.

Supplementing cattle with trace minerals at the time of vaccination has been shown to help improve the response to the vaccine. A study has shown that cattle treated with a 4 in 1 trace mineral injectable at the time of vaccine had greater amounts of neutralising antibody titres against BHV-1 vaccine at 14, 30 and 60 days post vaccination.

Moments such as

• Transportation
• New groupings
• Changing diet
• Debudding
• Vaccination

All have the potential to induce a status of oxidative stress, reduced appetite and poor growth. Appropriate husbandry, including the use of a 4 in 1 multi trace mineral injectable solution, can be the foundation of success for these young animals.

Changing of a diet should always be managed carefully and implemented at the correct time.

To cover a potential shortfall of trace minerals due to the increased excretion and reduced absorption commonly seen in stressful situations, supplementing with injectable trace minerals can help.

Loading and unloading, mixing with other animals, temperature changes and an unfamiliar environment, cause a physiological stress response in calves. This lowers their immunity.

Stress biomarkers in blood are seen to increase in weaning calves when they are transported.

As external factors are not always in your control, having calves with an optimal level of trace minerals will also help in reducing oxidative stress.