Zinc, Copper, and Manganese Homeostasis and Potential Trace Metal Accumulation in Dairy Cows: Longitudinal Study from Late Lactation to Subsequent Mid-Lactation

Daniel, Jean Baptiste; Brugger, Daniel; van der Drift, Saskia; van der Merwe, Deon; Kendall, Nigel; Windisch, Wilhelm; Doelman, John; Martín-Tereso, Javier

Abstract

Background: Trace metals are supplemented in cattle to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Levels supplemented to mitigate worst-case basal supply and availability scenarios can, however, result in trace metal intakes far above the nutritional requirements of dairy cows with high feed intakes. Objectives: We evaluated Zn, Mn, and Cu balance in dairy cows from late lactation through the subsequent mid-lactation, a period of 24 wk characterized by large changes in dry matter intake. Methods: Twelve Holstein dairy cows were housed in a tie-stall from 10 wk before to 16 wk after parturition and fed 1 unique lactation diet when lactating and a dry cow diet otherwise. After 2 wk of adaptation to the facility and diet, Zn, Mn, and Cu balances were determined at weekly intervals, by calculating the difference between total intakes and complete fecal, urinary, and milk outputs, with the latter 3 fluxes quantified over a 48-h period. Repeated measure mixed models were used to evaluate the effects on trace mineral balances over time. Results: The Mn and Cu balances of cows were not significantly different from 0 mg/d between 8 wk prepartum and calving (P ≥ 0.54), when dietary intake was the lowest of the period evaluated. However, when dietary intake was highest, between wk 6 and 16 postpartum, positive Mn and Cu balances were observed (80 and 20 mg/d, respectively, P ≤ 0.05). Cows were in positive Zn balance throughout the study except during the first 3 wk after calving during which the Zn balance was negative. Conclusions: Large adaptations occur in trace metal homeostasis in transition cows in response to changes in dietary intake. High dry matter intakes, associated with high milk production of dairy cows, combined with current Zn, Mn, and Cu supplementation practices may exceed regulatory homeostatic mechanisms resulting in potential body accumulation of Zn, Mn, and Cu.

Citation

Daniel, J. B., Brugger, D., van der Drift, S., van der Merwe, D., Kendall, N., Windisch, W., Doelman, J., & Martín-Tereso, J. (2023). Zinc, Copper, and Manganese Homeostasis and Potential Trace Metal Accumulation in Dairy Cows: Longitudinal Study from Late Lactation to Subsequent Mid-Lactation. Journal of Nutrition, 153(4), 1008-1018. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.02.022

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 9, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Feb 23, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Deposit Date: Apr 25, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 26, 2023
• Journal: Journal of Nutrition
• Print ISSN: 0022-3166
• Electronic ISSN: 1541-6100
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 153
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 1008-1018
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.02.022
• Keywords: Health; environment; accumulation; regulation; dietary supplementation
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/17660709
• Publisher URL: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316623126794?via%3Dihub
• Additional Information: This article is maintained by: Elsevier; Article Title: Zinc, copper, and manganese homeostasis and potential trace metal accumulation in dairy cows: Longitudinal study from late lactation to subsequent mid-lactation; Journal Title: The Journal of Nutrition; CrossRef DOI link to publisher maintained version: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjnut.2023.02.022; Content Type: article; Copyright: © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of American Society for Nutrition.