Effect of the Source of Zinc on the Tissue Accumulation of Zinc and Jejunal Mucosal Zinc Transporter Expression in Holstein Dairy Calves

Effects of maternal Cu, Mn, and Zn supplementation from different sources on physiological and productive responses of cows and their offspring

Seventy-two nonlactating, pregnant Angus cows (initial body weight [BW] = 637 ± 13 kg; body condition score [BCS] = 5.5 ± 0.07 yr; and age = 6.1 ± 0.57; exposed to artificial insemination = 54 and bull = 18) were ranked by pregnancy type, BW, and BCS and assigned to receive a supplement containing: 1) Cu, Mn, and Zn sulfate source (INR; n = 24), 2) Cu, Mn, and Zn organic-complexed source (ORG; n = 24), or 3) Cu, Mn, and Zn hydroxychloride source (HDX; n = 24). From day 11 (days of gestation 195 ± 5.1) to calving, cows were allocated to rangeland pasture. From day 0 until calving, cows were gathered and fed the treatments thrice a week. Cow BW and BCS were recorded, and blood was collected on days 11 and 10, upon calving, and at weaning. Liver biopsies were performed in all cows on day 10 and upon calving (cows and calves). Longissimus muscle (LM) biopsies were performed, and blood was collected in all calves upon calving. Calves were weaned on day 260, backgrounded for 99 d, and then sent to a commercial feedyard. Calves blood samples were collected on days 245, 260, 264, 268, 275, 280, and 288. No differences were detected (P ≥ 0.31) for cow BW and BCS changes among treatments during gestation, and mineral sources did not improve (P ≥ 0.16) mineral liver concentrations of Zn, Mn, Se, and Co at parturition. However, there was a tendency (P = 0.07) for HDX to have improved liver Cu concentration vs. ORG and INR cows. Cows fed HDX and ORG had improved (P ≤ 0.03) BCS at weaning, and BCS changed from parturition to weaning vs. INR cows. No treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.21) for calf birth measurements, IgG levels, mRNA expression of hepatic enzymes, or LM genes associated with muscle and adipose tissue development. At weaning and during the backgrounding, no treatment differences were detected (P ≥ 0.21) for offspring performance, health outcomes, plasma cortisol, serum nonesterified fatty acids, and serum β-hydroxybutyrate. However, a tendency for a treatment × day interaction was detected (P = 0.07) for haptoglobin concentrations, which was reduced (P < 0.01) in calves from cows supplemented with HDX vs. calves from cows supplemented with ORG and INR 15 d after weaning. No treatment effects were noted (P ≥ 0.35) for final BW, feedyard average daily gain, and carcass traits between treatment groups. Overall, different sources of Cu, Mn, and Zn supplemented to late-gestating beef cows yielded similar cow-calf productive responses from birth to finishing.

Dietary Zinc Supplementation in Steers Modulates Labile Zinc Concentration and Zinc Transporter Gene Expression in Circulating Immune Cells

Zinc (Zn) is critical for immune function, and marginal Zn deficiency in calves can lead to suboptimal growth and increased disease susceptibility. However, in contrast to other trace minerals such as copper, tissue concentrations of Zn do not change readily in conditions of supplementation or marginal deficiency. Therefore, the evaluation of Zn status remains challenging. Zinc transporters are essential for maintaining intracellular Zn homeostasis, and their expression may indicate changes in Zn status in the animal. Here, we investigated the effects of dietary Zn supplementation on labile Zn concentration and Zn transporter gene expression in circulating immune cells isolated from feedlot steers. Eighteen Angus crossbred steers (261 ± 14 kg) were blocked by body weight and randomly assigned to two dietary treatments: a control diet (58 mg Zn/kg DM, no supplemental Zn) or control plus 150 mg Zn/kg DM (HiZn; 207 mg Zn/kg DM total). After 33 days, Zn supplementation increased labile Zn concentrations (as FluoZin-3 fluorescence) in monocytes, granulocytes, and CD4 T cells (P < 0.05) but had the opposite effect on CD8 and γδ T cells (P < 0.05). Zn transporter gene expression was analyzed on purified immune cell populations collected on days 27 or 28. ZIP11 and ZnT1 gene expression was lower (P < 0.05) in CD4 T cells from HiZn compared to controls. Expression of ZIP6 in CD8 T cells (P = 0.02) and ZnT7 in B cells (P = 0.01) was upregulated in HiZn, while ZnT9 tended (P = 0.06) to increase in B cells from HiZn. These results suggest dietary Zn concentration affects both circulating immune cell Zn concentrations and Zn transporter gene expression in healthy steers.

Prepartum supplementation of dairy cows with inorganic selenium, organic selenium or rumen-protected choline does not affect carotenoid composition or colour characteristics of bovine colostrum or transition milk

Minerals are supplemented routinely to dairy cows during the dry period to prevent metabolic issues postpartum. However, limited information exists on the impacts of mineral supplementation on colostrum carotenoids. This study aimed to determine the effects of prepartum supplementation with three micro-nutrients; inorganic selenium (INORG), organic selenium (ORG) or rumen-protected choline (RPC) on the carotenoid content of bovine colostrum and transition milk (TM) from pasture-based dairy cows. A total of 57 (12 primiparous and 45 multiparous) Holstein-Friesian (HF) and HF × Jersey (JEX) cows were supplemented daily for 49 ± 12.9 d before calving. Colostrum samples were collected from all cows immediately postpartum and TM one to five (TM1-TM5) were collected from a sub-set of 15 cows (five per treatment group) at each consecutive milking postpartum. Carotenoid concentration was determined using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography - diode array detection (UHPLC-DAD). With the use of transmittance, the colour index and colour parameters a*, b* and L* were used to determine colour variations over this period. Prepartum supplementation did not have a significant effect on colostrum β-carotene concentration or colour. Positive correlations between β-carotene and colour parameter b* (R2 = 0.671; P < 0.001) and β-carotene and colour index (R2 = 0.560; P < 0.001) were observed. Concentrations of β-carotene were highest in colostrum (1.34 μg/g) and decreased significantly with each milking postpartum (TM5 0.31 μg/g). Breed had a significant effect on colostrum colour with JEX animals producing a greater b* colostrum than HF animals (P = 0.030). Primiparous animals produced colostrum with the weakest colour compared to second or ≥third parity animals (P = 0.042). Despite statistical increases in the b* parameter in colostrum from JEX cows and multiparous cows, β-carotene concentrations did not significantly increase suggesting that other factors may influence colostrum colour. The b* parameter may be used as an indicator for estimating carotenoid concentrations in colostrum and TM, particularly when assessed via transmittance spectroscopy.

Early supplementation with zinc proteinate does not change rectal microbiota but increases growth performance by improving antioxidant capacity and plasma zinc concentration in preweaned dairy calves

The present study evaluated the effects of early supplementation with zinc proteinate (ZnP) or zinc oxide (ZnO) for 2 weeks on the growth performance, redox status, plasma trace element concentrations, and rectal microbiota of preweaned dairy calves. A total of 60 newborn healthy female Holstein dairy calves, with initial body weight (BW): 41.33 ± 0.62 kg, were randomly allocated to 5 groups of 12 each: a control group (CON); three groups supplemented with 261 (L-ZnP), 523 (M-ZnP), and 784 (H-ZnP) mg/day ZnP, equivalent to 40, 80, and 120 mg/day zinc, respectively; and one group supplemented with 232 mg/day ZnO, equivalent to 180 mg/day zinc (ZnO). Zinc supplements were administered on days 1-14, and the calves were followed up until day 70. Zinc supplementation increased total dry matter intake (DMI) and starter DMI compared with the CON group (p < 0.01). The final BW, average daily gain, and feed efficiency were higher in the M-ZnP, H-ZnP, and ZnO groups (p < 0.05). The incidence of diarrhea on days 1-28 was reduced by zinc administration (p < 0.01), whereas the incidence on days 29-56 was lower in the M-ZnP and ZnO groups (p < 0.05). Serum glutathione peroxidase activity, total antioxidant capacity, immunoglobulin G and plasma zinc concentrations were increased linearly (p < 0.05), while the serum concentration of malondialdehyde was decreased linearly (p < 0.01), as the dose of ZnP increased. ZnP yielding 80 mg/day zinc had similar effects as ZnO yielding 180 mg/day zinc, except that final BW was higher in the ZnO group (p < 0.05). At the phylum level, ZnO decreased the relative abundance of Firmicutes while increasing the abundance of Bacteroidetes (p < 0.05). At the genus level, ZnO increased the relative abundances of Prevotella, Subdoligranulum, and Odoribacter (p < 0.05). These findings indicated that early supplementation with ZnP did not affect the rectal microbiota of preweaned dairy calves but increased their growth performance, antioxidant capacity, and plasma zinc concentration. In summary, ZnP is an organic zinc source with greater bioavailability than ZnO for preweaned dairy calves. Early dietary supplementation with ZnP yielding 80 mg/day zinc is recommended.

The Effects of Zinc Supplementation on Growth, Diarrhea, Antioxidant Capacity, and Immune Function in Holstein Dairy Calves

The current study examined the effects of supplementary zinc proteinate (ZnPro) and zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, diarrhea, antioxidant capacity, immune function, and mineral element concentrations of calves aged 1 to 28 days. A total of twenty-four newborn calves were divided randomly into 3 groups (n = 8; 2 males and 6 females per group), and each received: 0 mg/d Zn (CON), 627 mg/d ZnPro (80 mg/d Zn; ZnPro group), and 101 mg/d ZnO (80 mg/d Zn; ZnO group). The calves received the additive in their milk during the first 28 days of life. Compared with the CON group: ZnPro and ZnO improved average daily gain (ADG) and decreased the feed:gain ratio (FGR) between days 1 and 14 (p < 0.05), while the ADG increased and FGR decreased only in the ZnPro group between days 1 and 28 (p < 0.05). The incidence of diarrhea decreased (p < 0.05) in the ZnPro and ZnO groups between days 15 and 28 as well as days 1 and 28, but decreased (p < 0.05) only in the ZnPro group between days 1 and 14. The serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration of the ZnPro and ZnO groups increased on days 14 and 28 (p < 0.05). ZnPro supplementation increased serum IgM concentration during the whole study, while ZnO enhanced serum IgM concentration only on day 14 (p < 0.05). In the ZnO group, the serum concentration of cytokines interleukin (IL)-10 increased on day 14, while that of IL-1β increased on day 28 (p < 0.05). In addition, ZnPro reduced the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration on days 14 and 28 (p < 0.05). Both ZnPro and ZnO increased the serum concentrations of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and metallothionein (MT) on day 14 (p < 0.05). With zinc supplementation, plasma Zn concentration increased (p < 0.05) on days 14 and 28 of age. We concluded that supplementary ZnPro and ZnO reduced incidences of diarrhea and promoted the immune function, but ZnPro improved the growth performance and antioxidant capacity of Holstein dairy calves to a greater extent.

Does Therapeutic Zinc Level of Supplementation for Diminutions of Acute Diarrheal Morbidity Varied in Public and Private Health Institutions in Ethiopia, Data from EDHS 2016?

Background

Supplementation of zinc is a therapeutic medication for under-five children diminution incidence, severity, duration, and intensity of acute diarrhea morbidity. Nevertheless, levels of therapeutic zinc supplementation varied across public and private health institutions in Ethiopia. Thus, this study was aimed at estimating the levels of therapeutic zinc supplementation and factors associated for intent to be utilized among caregivers with their dyads, data from Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS 2016).

Methods

The data used were from a secondary analysis of the Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey in 2016 (EDHS). Overall, 1090 under-five children with acute diarrheal cases of two weeks before the EDHS 2016 were included. After cleaning, editing, and coding variables, the result was presented with frequency, tables, and graphs. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify and determine factors associated after zinc is prescribed for utilizations by caregivers.

Result

The mean (±SD) age of participant children was found to be 36.4(±7.07) month. The overall levels of therapeutic zinc supplementation were 38.7% (95% CI: 35.8, 41.6) in public (29.08%) and private 138 (12.66%), respectively. The prescribed therapeutic zinc was influenced for utilization through maternal educational status (AOR = 2.55; 95% CI: 1.95, 3.47; P = 0.001), availability of health insurance (AOR = 10.7; 95% CI: 7.2, 16; P = 0.001), media exposure status (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.7, 3.6; P = 0.001).

Conclusion

More than twofold time therapeutic zinc was prescribed in public than in private health institutions. Health care workers should be encouraged both in public and private health institutions for zinc prescription.

Supplementation With Zinc Proteinate Increases the Growth Performance by Reducing the Incidence of Diarrhea and Improving the Immune Function of Dairy Calves During the First Month of Life

Two experiments were conducted to identify the optimal dose of zinc proteinate (ZP) in the diet for dairy calves and then to compare early supplementation with the ZP or zinc methionine (ZM) on the growth performance, incidence of diarrhea, antioxidant status, and immune function of dairy calves during their first month of life. In Experiment 1, forty newborn female Holstein dairy calves were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10): a control group (without ZP supplementation, ZP0) or groups that received ZP supplementation at 40, 80, and 120 mg zinc/day, respectively (ZP40, ZP80, and ZP120). The experiment lasted 14 days, and the growth performance, incidence of diarrhea, and serum zinc concentration were analyzed. In Experiment 2, thirty-six newborn female Holstein dairy calves were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 12): a negative control group (without zinc supplementation, CON), a positive control group (supplemented with 80 mg zinc/day in the form of zinc methionine, ZM), and a ZP group (supplemented with 80 mg zinc/day in the form of ZP). The experiment lasted 28 days, and the growth performance, incidence of diarrhea, serum zinc concentration, serum antioxidant indicators, and concentrations of plasma immunoglobulins and cytokines were determined on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. Results showed that in Experiment 1, supplementation with ZP to yield 80 mg zinc/day increased the ADG (P &lt; 0.01) and serum zinc concentration (P &lt; 0.01), and decreased the F/G (P &lt; 0.01) and the incidence of diarrhea (P &lt; 0.05) during days 1–14. In Experiment 2, compared with the CON group, ZP increased the ADG (P &lt; 0.01), serum zinc concentration (P &lt; 0.01), and plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG; P &lt; 0.01) and IgM (P &lt; 0.01) concentrations, but reduced the incidence of diarrhea (P &lt; 0.01), serum malondialdehyde (P &lt; 0.01), and plasma interleukin-1β (P &lt; 0.01) concentrations during days 1–28. Overall, ZP supplementation to yield 80 mg zinc/day improves the growth performance and immune function, and decrease the incidence of diarrhea of dairy calves, which was comparable to the same dose of zinc in the form of ZM.

Effect of bis-glycinate bound zinc or zinc sulfate on zinc metabolism in growing lambs

To assess the efficacy of bis-glycinate bound Zn, 36 crossbred wethers (34 ± 2 kg) were sorted by body weight into three groups and stagger started on a Zn-deficient diet (18 mg Zn/kg dry matter [DM]; 22.5% neutral detergent fiber [NDF]) for 45 d prior to a 15-d metabolism period (10 d adaptation and 5 d collection). On day 46, lambs were randomly assigned to dietary treatments (four lambs treatment⁻¹group⁻¹): no supplemental Zn (CON) or 15 mg supplemental Zn/kg DM (ZINC) as Zn sulfate (ZS) or bis-glycinate (GLY; Plexomin Zn, Phytobiotics). Blood was collected from all lambs on days 1, 44, 56, and 61. Liver, jejunum, and longissimus dorsi samples were collected after euthanasia on day 61. Gene expression was determined via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Data were analyzed using ProcMixed of SAS (experimental unit = lamb; fixed effects = treatment, group, and breed) and contrast statements assessed the effects of supplemental Zn concentration (ZINC vs. CON) and source (GLY vs. ZS). After 15 d of Zn supplementation, plasma Zn concentrations were greater for ZINC vs. CON and GLY vs. ZS (P ≤ 0.01); tissue Zn concentrations were unaffected (P ≥ 0.27). Liver Cu concentrations were lesser for ZINC vs. CON (P = 0.03). Longissimus dorsi Mn concentrations were greater for ZINC vs. CON (P = 0.05) and tended to be lesser for GLY vs. ZS (P = 0.09). Digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), and NDF was lesser for ZINC vs. CON (P ≤ 0.05); acid detergent fiber digestibility tended to be greater for GLY vs. ZS (P = 0.06). Nitrogen retention (g/d) tended to be greater for GLY vs. ZS (P = 0.10), and N apparent absorption was lesser for ZINC vs. CON (P = 0.02). Zinc intake, fecal output, retention, and apparent absorption were greater for ZINC vs. CON (P ≤ 0.01). Apparent absorption of Zn was −5.1%, 12.8%, and 15.0% for CON, ZS, and GLY, respectively. Nitrogen and Zn retention and apparent absorption were not correlated for CON (P ≥ 0.14) but were positively correlated for ZINC (retention: P = 0.02, r = 0.52; apparent absorption: P < 0.01, r = 0.73). Intestinal expression of Zn transporter ZIP4 was lesser for ZINC vs. CON (P = 0.02). Liver expression of metallothionein-1 (MT1) tended to be greater for GLY vs. ZS (P = 0.07). Although Zn apparent absorption did not differ between sources (P = 0.71), differences in post-absorptive metabolism may be responsible for greater plasma Zn concentrations and liver MT1 expression for GLY-supplemented lambs, suggesting improved bioavailability of GLY relative to ZS.

Supplementation of antioxidant micronutrients reduces stress and improves immune function/response in periparturient dairy cows and their calves

BACKGROUND

Periparturient period induces stress in cows which fluctuates hormonal and metabolic function and causes immune suppression. Apart from impairing the health, production, and reproduction of cows, it also influences the well-being of newborn calves by decreasing the colostrum quality. Micronutrients are known for optimal health and production and their effects on parturition stress, immune response in both cow and its calf need to be explored.

AIM

The aim of this study was to see the effect of oral supplementation of micronutrients during the prepartum period on the health status of crossbred dairy cows and subsequently on their newborn calves.

METHODS

A total of 42 healthy multiparous cows were selected and randomly divided into five groups with seven cows in each group, i.e. control (Basal Diet, BD), VA group (BD + vitamin A, 10⁵ IU), Zn group (BD + zinc sulphate, 60 ppm), VE group (BD + vitamin E, 2500 IU), and combined supplementation (CS) group (BD + combination of VA, Zn, and VE). The supplements were offered in compounded concentrate DM (100 g) to individual cows once daily before the morning feeding and the remaining portion was incorporated in the TMR. Feeding was started one month before the expected days of calving till calving. Blood samples were collected from cows at days -15, -7, -3, 0, +3, +7, and +15 relative to the day of calving. Blood samples from newborn calves and milk samples of cows were collected at days 0, +3, +7, and +15. Milk somatic cell counts (SCC) were estimated using a cell counter. Cortisol was estimated by ELISA kit in blood and milk plasma of cows and in the blood plasma of their calves. Total immunoglobulins (Ig) were estimated in milk of cows and serum of calves using zinc sulphate turbidity method. Blood neutrophils from cows and calves were studied for phagocytic activity (PA) using nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) assay.Data were analysed by repeated-measures two-way ANOVA using the mixed procedure of SAS, and the pairwise comparison was performed using a multiple comparison test (Tukey).

RESULTS

Combined supplementation of micronutrients decreased (P < 0.05) maternal blood plasma (control vs. CS group, 5.98 ± 0.20 vs. 3.86 ± 0.23 ng/mL) and milk plasma (3.96 ± 0.13 vs. 2.71 ± 0.10 ng/mL) cortisol, milk SCC (3.05 ± 0.11 vs. 2.12 ± 0.10 × 10⁵ cells/mL) and increased (P < 0.05) total milk Ig concentration (18.80 ± 0.11 vs. 23.04 ± 0.57 mg/mL) and the PA of blood neutrophils (0.84 ± 0.03 vs. 1.07 ± 0.03). Similarly, lower blood cortisol concentration (9.69 ± 0.35 vs. 6.02 ± 0.18 ng/mL) and higher (P < 0.05) total Ig (23.26 ± 0.11 vs. 30.34 ± 0.70 mg/mL) and PA of blood neutrophils (0.37 ± 0.02 vs. 0.52 ± 0.02) were observed in the calves born to CS group of cows as compared to the control. Highest (P < 0.05) positive effects (lower stress levels and higher immune response) of treatment were noticed in CS group followed by VE group and then Zn group. However, VA group didn't differ from the control group.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that micronutrient interventions during the prepartum period can improve the health status of dairy calves and subsequently the well-being of their calves.