Mastitis (inflammation of the mammary gland) commonly occurs in dairy cows during the postpartum period (transition period) when dairy cows experience physiological and hormonal changes and severe negative energy balance followed by oxidative stress. To maintain successful lactation and combat negative energy balance (NEB), hypermobility of fat occurs, leading to excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hyperlipidemia also increases the concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHB) during the postpartum period. In addition, excessive use of oxygen by cellular respiration in the mammary causes abnormal production of oxidative stress (OS). Oxidative stress impairs the immunity and anti-inflammatory efficiency of dairy cows during parturition and increases their susceptibility to mastitis. gives To reduce oxidative stress and subsequent mastitis, antioxidants are supplemented to dairy cows from an external source. Extensive studies have been conducted on supplementation of selenium (Se) and vitamins E and B9 to reduce mastitis during the transition period in dairy cows.
A recent study showed that oxidative stress is the main cause of perinatal diseases in dairy cows. Similarly, another study reported that overproduction of ROS causes oxidative stress that impairs immunity and anti-inflammatory functions in dairy cows during the transition period. Due to the suppression of the immune system, the sensitivity of dairy cows to mastitis increases in the perinatal stage. As discussed, negative energy balance and metabolic disturbances are key factors causing oxidative stress during the postpartum period in dairy cows. Therefore, we conclude from the previous discussion that nutritional management can be one of the most efficient approaches to increase animal antioxidant capacity and prevent oxidative stress that makes dairy cows susceptible to mastitis during the transition period.
Negative energy balance causes hypermobility of fat in dairy cows during parturition, resulting in increased levels of NEFA and ROS, leading to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress further induces abnormal immune regulation and inflammation, predisposing dairy cows to mastitis. Abnormal immune regulation and inflammation also lead to lipid hypermobility and oxidative stress, which activates TNF-α overproduction.
Overall, we conclude that the postpartum period in dairy cows is critical and predisposes them to mastitis. Key factors leading to the susceptibility of dairy cows to mastitis during the transition period include negative energy balance, followed by hypermobility of fat, oxidative stress, and resulting abnormal immune regulation and inflammation. During the perinatal period, dairy cows experience severe deficiencies of some key nutrients (vitamin E, folic acid, and selenium) that predispose them to mastitis. Vitamin (E and folic acid) and Se supplements positively affect immune regulation and reduce oxidative and inflammatory status in dairy cows during the postpartum phase. Therefore, it is suggested that supplements of folic acid, selenium and vitamin E during the transition period can be considered as a therapeutic supplement to reduce mastitis in dairy cows.
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