Two sources we recommend are Drs. Bill Weiss or K. Larry Smith at Ohio State University or Roche Chemical Company (basic in making vitamin E). Both groups have excellent hard copy (paper) reports on the role of vitamin E on mastitis, reproduction, and blood levels. The Journal of Dairy Science would also have references in older issues (the December issue has a listing of articles summarized by topic in each year of publication). Vitamin E and/or selenium will have a major impact on mastitis reduction and severity. Mike Hutjens, Extension Dairy Specialist, University of Illinois - Illini DairyNET Supplementation of the diet with vitamin E and selenium, vitamin A and beta-carotene, and balancing dietary copper and zinc content to meet requirements have reduced mastitis. Selenium injections (4.5 mg/100 lb body weight) may be given at 21 days before expected calving and the ration of bred heifers supplemented with vitamin E. Together these practices have reduced mastitis in early lactation more than either practice alone (Hogan et al., 1993). The effect of vitamin E on clinical mastitis was more pronounced for first lactation than older cows (Weiss et al., 1997). Vitamin E levels of at least 1,000 IU/day during the dry period and 500 IU/day during lactation were more beneficial than National Research Council's recommended 100 IU/day. Selenium was added to the ration to provide 0.1 ppm, which resulted in plasma selenium levels lower than accepted as adequate. Selenium also may be added to dry cow and milking herd rations (3 and 6 mg/head daily, respectively). Vitamin E and selenium also reduced retained placenta, metritis, and cystic ovaries. Hogan, J. S., W. P. Weiss, and K. L. Smith. 1993. Role of vitamin E and selenium in host defense against mastitis. J. Dairy Sci. 76:2795-2803. Weiss, W.P., J.S. Hogan, D.A. Todhunter, and K.L. Smith. 1997. Effect of vitamin E supplementation in diets with a low concentration of selenium on mammary gland health of dairy cows. J. Dairy Sci. 80:1728-1737. Jerry Jones, Professor Emeritus of Dairy Science, Virginia Tech

Browse related Faqs by tag: dairy cattle