Interpretive Summary: Effects of replacing inorganic salts of trace minerals with organic trace minerals in the pre- and postpartum diets on mineral status, antioxidant biomarkers, and health of dairy cows

By: Bruna Mion, Lori Ogilvie, Bryn Van Winters, Jose F W Spricigo, Sanjana Anan, Mélissa Duplessis, Brian W McBride, Stephen J LeBlanc, Michael A Steele, Eduardo de Souza Ribeiro

Trace minerals (TM) are important for oxidative balance and immunity of cows. Different forms of TM are available for dietary supplementation of dairy cows. We tested whether replacing inorganic salts of TM by organic sources of TM in both pre- and postpartum diets improve TM concentration in body fluids and liver, antioxidant capacity in blood, and postpartum health of dairy cows. Despite the lack of difference in antioxidant capacity and in concentrations of Cu, Mn, and Zn, the complete replacement of inorganic salts by organic sources altered concentrations of Se and Co in circulation, and reduced the concentration of biomarkers associated with inflammation and liver damage, and the risk of lameness and postpartum metabolic problems.