ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2025 47 APPLYING RESEARCH FINDINGS TO THE DAIRY SECTOR These trial takeaways have profound implications for the dairy industry. By incorporating a more bioavailable source of zinc into the diets of dairy cows, farmers can mitigate the detrimental effects of heat stress, leading to improved cow health, increased milk production, and enhanced farm profitability. 1. Boosting milk production: Heat stress can reduce milk yield by up to 42%, as observed in the study. By maintaining intestinal integrity and reducing inflammation, feeding a more bioavailable Zn source helps cows sustain higher milk production levels even during periods of heat stress. 2. Enhancing animal welfare: Cow welfare is a top priority for dairy farmers. Feeding a less soluble mineral that is more available to the animal not only improves the health of cows during heat stress but also supports their recovery, ensuring they remain productive and healthy throughout the year. 3. Economic benefits: Economic losses associated with heat stress in the dairy industry are substantial. By reducing losses due to heat stress, feeding a more bioavailable trace mineral can help farmers save on veterinary costs, improve feed efficiency, and increase overall farm profitability. CONCLUSION The study by Rodriguez-Jimenez, et al. (2025) described above highlights how dietary changes in the ration can help support cows’ recovery from heat stress. By improving intestinal barrier function, reducing inflammation, enhancing metabolic health, and increasing dry matter intake, Selko® IntelliBond® Z brings a four-step solution to mitigate the adverse effects of heat stress on dairy cows. As the dairy industry continues to face the challenges of climate change, heat stress is apt to be a growing concern for dairy farms. Feeding a trace mineral demonstrated to help support cows’ recovery is a practical step that is easy to implement on the farm. 1S. Rodriguez-Jimenez, E. J. Mayorga, M. A. Abeyta, B.M. Goetz, J. Opgenorth, S. K. Kvidera, M. M. McCarthy, K.E. Griswold and L.H. Baumgard, (2025). Evaluating the effects of zinc hydroxychloride on intestinal barrier permeability and biomarkers of inflammation and metabolism during and following heat stress. Journal of Dairy Science Photo: Trouw Nutrition
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