Transition Stress in Dairy Cattle: Role of Energy Balance and Micronutrients

Abstract

Dairy cattle undergo enormous metabolic modulations during peripartum or transition period in terms of negative energy balance (NEB), oxidative stress and impaired immune function. Series of metabolic processes are involved in mobilizing body fat, protein, and energy to compensate for insufficient supply of nutrients in cows during a transition period. The altered physiological state of an animal during the transition period affects the metabolic and hormonal changes to support fetal development and onset of lactation. Eventually, immunological conquest results in to peri-parturient illness and reduced fertility of animal. Thus, the inclusion of additional energy along with required micronutrients (vitamin E, Se, Cu, Zn, and Cr) evident to successful completion of the transition phase with minimal incidence of periparturient disorders such as mastitis, metritis and retained fetal membranes. This combination of supplementation ameliorates inimical consequences of transition stress over reproductive and productive potential of the animal.