Selenium (Se) is important for the postnatal development of the calf. In the first weeks of life, milk is the only source of Se for the calf and insufficient level of Se in the milk may lead to Se deficiency. Maternal Se supplementation is used to prevent this.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of organic zinc supplementation in calves on serum zinc (Zn) concentrations, selected metabolic profile indicators and serum immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations. The trial included 2 groups (n = 10) of weaned female calves. The Zn-Methionin calves (group Zn-Met) were supplemented with 30 mg Zn-Met/kg dry matter (DM)/day (BIOPLEX ^® Zn, Alltech, USA) for 90 days; the control calves (group C) received the same diet without organic zinc supplementation. Compared to the control group, organic Zn treatment significantly increased serum Zn concentration ( P < 0.05), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity ( P < 0.01) and total Ig ( P < 0.01) in the group Zn-Met at the beginning (7 days from the start of Zn-Met supplementation) of the trial. At the end of the trial (day 90) serum total protein (TP) ( P < 0.05), albumin ( P < 0.01), urea ( P < 0.01), SOD ( P < 0.01), copper (Cu) ( P < 0.05), Zn ( P < 0.01) and Ig ( P < 0.05) concentrations were significantly higher in the Zn-Met calves. In the control group alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was significantly ( P < 0.01) higher on day 90. A positive correlation between zinc concentrations, ALP, and SOD activities in serum, and a negative correlation between zinc and copper concentrations were demonstrated. Dietary Zn-Met supplementation in calves markedly influenced the metabolic profile and serum immunoglobulin concentrations. Compared to the control group, the Zn supplemented group showed a significantly ( P < 0.05) lower ALP and significantly greater SOD serum activity ( P < 0.01) at the end of the trial. Total Ig concentrations were significantly higher in the Zn treated group (day 7: P < 0.01 vs. day 90: P < 0.05).

(1) Background: This study evaluated the effects of a plant bioactive (Phyto Ax’Cell, Phytosynthese, Mozac, France) on the inflammatory status and health of dairy cows during calving. (2) Methods: 46 Holstein crossbred cows were randomized into a control group (CON, n = 23) and the Phyto Ax’Cell group (PAC, n = 23). PAC received Phyto Ax’Cell at 25 g/cow/day, from 15 days prepartum to 7 days postpartum. Blood analyses were performed weekly from D-7 to D14 to evaluate the energy metabolism and inflammatory status; rectal temperature was measured daily within 14 days from calving day (D0). (3) Results: PAC showed lower serum haptoglobin at D7 (0.55 vs. 0.79 mg/mL; p < 0.05) and D14 (0.44 vs. 0.66 mg/mL; p < 0.05). CON had a higher number of circulating white blood cells and granulocytes on D7 (p < 0.05). Fewer cows from PAC showed hyperthermia (≥39 °C) during the first 2 weeks postpartum (−7%, p < 0.05). Energy metabolism, which was represented by the NEFA/cholesterol ratio, improved (0.21 vs. 0.36 at D0, p < 0.1; 0.19 and 0.15 vs. 0.36 and 0.32, respectively, at D+7 and D+14, p < 0.05) under the plant bioactive supplementation. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that the anti-inflammatory plant bioactive compound with Brazilian green propolis administered during calving had a beneficial effect on the energy and inflammatory status of dairy cows.

The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of selenium (Se) deficiency in Angus Aberdeen (AA) cows and calves during the grazing season on several farms in different geographical locations of the Czech Republic. Selenium deficiency was diagnosed by measuring Se concentrations in whole blood. A total of 78 cows and 78 calves aged 3 to 6 months were examined in eight herds. The reference range of blood Se in cows and calves is 80 to 120 ug/l. Lower values are indicative of deficiency. Overall, Se deficiency was observed in 39.75% cows and 80.76% calves. Suboptimal Se status was mainly a consequence of low Se concentration in pasture vegetation. The Se concentration in plants ranged from 0.032 to 0.086 mg/kg on dry matter basis. Selenium deficiency adversely affected fertility and natality in cattle. In the herd with the highest prevalence of Se deficiency (Herd 2), the number of calves reared till 6 months of age per 100 cows (natality) was as low as 80. The findings show that the grazing cattle suffered from major Se deficiency. The results of the study highlight the importance of implementing early diagnosis, effective prevention, and use of appropriate mineral supplements.