May 30, 2006

 

Tip top ruminant immune system to counter early summer cell count peak
 

Press release
 

 

A wet start to the summer could mean that the usual increase in somatic cell counts typically seen during summer months will come earlier this year. Producers are warned to be on their guard and get their cows' immune system into tip top shape to help fight off the high cell count challenge.

 

NMR data over the past five years shows that somatic cell counts typically peak in July and August, followed closely by June and September. "But this year, the peak could be earlier," warned UK's SCA NuTec ruminant nutritionist Sion Richards. "The past few weeks have been exceptionally wet across the country. Cows have been out in the rain and lying on damp grass, which is a haven for mastitis-causing bacteria to thrive and leaves animals vulnerable to infection."

 

Cows with strong immune systems are best able to fight off infection from mastitis-causing bacteria. "To boost their systems, producers are encouraged to supplement the diet - either through the TMR or in the parlour - with adequate levels of selenium," said Dr Richards. "This is an antioxidant and will help the cow fight infection in order to keep cell counts at bay. Vitamin E is also essential, but adequate levels are normally available in grazed grass."

 

While during winter, levels of antioxidant in feeds may be sufficient, reduced rates of compound feed and minerals in summer mean that blood antioxidant status will drop.

 

"It is best to avoid this happening by adding a rumen-protected selenium that is absorbed into the blood stream."

 

Rumen-protected selenium, like SCA NuTec's Sel-Tek, bypasses the rumen and is broken down in the small intestine.  Trials have shown that by including Sel-Tek, the absorption of selenium is increased by 22 percent compared with conventional sources.

 

"Adding Sel-Tek to minerals and including it in a TMR or in compound feed will cost about GBP1.80 a cow a year," adds Dr Richards. "Taking into account the costs of increased cell counts - quoted as GBP35 a cow - and a case of mastitis at GBP168, then the investment in Sel-Tek gives a very good return."

 

Sel-Tek is available in all SCA ruminant minerals for including in TMRs or compound feeds.

 

For more information, contact:

 

Dr Sion Richards                                     Karen Wright, SCA NuTec PR,

Tel: +44-07818-004364                          Tel: +44-01780-767222

E-mail: srichards@scanutec.com              E-mail: karen@karenwrightpr.com

 

Dr Sion Richards