Injectable mineral supplementation to transition period dairy cows and its effects on animal health

The dairy cattle production rises worldwide, with genetically selected animals. Consequently, they present high nutritional requirements, especially during the transition period. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of parenteral supplementation of a mineral blend composed by selenium, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium on hematological, biochemical, immunological, and antioxidant status in transition period dairy cows and newborn calves. The Holstein cows were divided into the control group (A, n = 3) and treated group (B, n = 4), which were supplemented twice with an intramuscularly dose of 10 mL/animal, at approximately 20 days prior to the parturition, and a subsequent dose at the parturition. Total blood was collected from cows on days 20 and 5 antepartum, and 2 and 7 postpartum, and from calves, at the birth. We observed a decreased in concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) for cows fed mineral blend during the transition period (P < 0.05), as well as a greater number of total leukocyte, total protein and globulin levels, and reduction of hemoglobin levels (P < 0.05). The catalase activity was increased in supplemented cows and in its calves (P < 0.05). Therefore, based on these evidences, the parenteral supplementation with mineral provides beneficial effects in pregnant cows and during the transition period, as well as in their calves.