ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2024 33 reduce the risk of hindgut acidosis and to support the cow’s immune system. This can help to mitigate the negative effects from heat stress on dairy performance (Figure 2). Zinc supplements can help reduce the impact of heat stress on gut integrity and immune response 7,8. Its mechanism of action includes upregulation of tight junction proteins between intestinal cells, enhancing epithelium repair and immune modulation 2,3,4,5. On the other hand, excessive supplementation of minerals represents an environmental concern due to excretion in manure and can have a negative impact on fibre digestibility. Alternative mineral sources, like Selko® IntelliBond® Z represent an opportunity to optimize performance of dairy cows suffering from heat stress5. Managing heat stress is critical for maintaining dairy cow productivity and health. By implementing effective managerial and nutritional strategies, dairy farmers can create a more comfortable environment for their cows during hot weather, minimize the negative impacts of heat stress, and ensure optimal milk production and herd health. References: 1Hammami H., J. Bormann, N. M’hamdi, H.H. Montaldo, N. Gengler. (2013) Evaluation of heat stress effects on production traits and somatic cell score of Holsteins in a temperate environment. J Dairy Sci. 96: 1844–1855. 2Murphy M.R., C.L. Davis, G.C. McCoy (1983) Factors Affecting Water Consumption by Holstein Cows in Early Lactation. J. Dairy Sci. 66: 35–38. 3Gorniak, T, Meyer, U, Südekum, K, and S. Dänicke (2014), Impact of mild heat stress on dry matter intake, milk yield and milk composition in mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows in a temperate climate. Arch. Anim Nutr. 68(5):358-69. 4Thompson I.M., A P Alves Monteiro, G E Dahl, S Tao, B M Ahmed (2014) Impact of dry period heat stress on milk yield, reproductive performance and health of dairy cows ADSA-ASAS-CSAS Joint Annual Meeting Kansas, USA. 5Habeeb, A.A, Gad, A.E, and M. A, Atta (2018) Temperature-Humidity Indices as Indicators to Heat Stress of Climatic Conditions with Relation to Production and Reproduction of Farm Animals. International Journal of Biotechnology and Recent Advances. 1(1): 35-50. 6Hansen, P.J. and C. F. Areéchiga (1999). Strategies for managing reproduction in the heat-stressed dairy cow. J. An. Sci. 77:2 36–50. 7Weng, X., A. P. A. Monteiro, J. Guo, C. Li, R. M. Orellana, T. N. Marins, J. K. Bernard, D. J. Tomlinson, J. M. DeFrain, S. E. Wohlgemuth, (2018). Effects of heat stress and dietary zinc source on performance and mammary epithelial integrity of lactating dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 101:2617–2630. 8Response of lactating dairy cows fed different supplemental zinc sources with and without evaporative cooling to intramammary lipopolysaccharide infusion: metabolite and mineral profiles in blood and milk (2020). Marins, T.N, Monteiro, A.P.A, Weng, X, Guo, J, Orellana Rivas, R.M, Bernard, J.K, Tomlinson, D.L, DeFrain, J.M. and S. Tao.J. Animal Scie, 2020, 98:10, 1–7. About Lonneke Jansen Lonneke Jansen, holds a MSc in Animal Sciences. Jansen is currently serving as Technical Commercial Manager Ruminants at Trouw Nutrition, specifically within the Selko Feed Additives department. Every Selko Feed Additive and every service related to a Selko Feed Additive is designed to enhance the sustainability of dairy farming by minimizing environmental impact, ensuring animal welfare and health, and providing farmers with a stable income.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjkxNQ==