Copper and its Role on Dairy Cows’ Resistance to Mastitis

Mastitis constitutes the main health issue in dairy cow farms, since it is widespread and leads to high economic losses. Nutritional strategies have a place in host defense mechanisms to this matter. The effect of Copper in this regard has been less investigated than that of Zinc. However, some studies indicate that Copper plays an important role on cows’ immune system and that reduces the clinical response to Escherichia coli mastitis in first-lactation Holstein heifers. Moreover, it lowers SCC –Somatic Cell Counts- (Scaletti et al., 2012). Although these results are promising, they are still unclear. In consequence, NOREL, in collaboration with Servet Talavera, carried out a study aimed at evaluating the relationship between udder health and dietary levels of Zinc and Copper. 55 farms representative of the Spanish sector were selected. Results showed that Copper had greater impact on udder health than Zinc. Thus, negative and significant correlations were found between the level of dietary Copper and the following indicators: SCC (R2= -0.138, p=0.008) and monthly rate of clinical mastitis (R2= -0.093, p=0.031). Zinc levels were only correlated with the curation rate during the dry period (R2= 0.136, p=0.008). These results could be showing interactions between minerals themselves and/or with dietary compounds. In order to both avoid such interactions and feed animals efficiently, the use of organic minerals is recommended, and a combination of chelated Copper and Zinc is of interest to maintain udder health