Clinical nutrition for udder health management in dairy animals Sharma S.K.1,*, Joshi Monika2 Department of Veterinary MedicineCollege of Veterinary and Animal Science, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (RAJUVAS)Vallabhnagar, Udaipur - 313601 (Rajasthan) 1Head Department of Veterinary MedicineCollege of Veterinary and Animal Science, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (RAJUVAS)Vallabhnagar, Udaipur - 313601 (Rajasthan) 2Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Nutrition, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (RAJUVAS)Vallabhnagar, Udaipur - 313601 (Rajasthan) *Corresponding author. E-mail: drshivsharmavet@rediffmail.com
Online Published on 20 April, 2022. Abstract Udder health is one of the most important considerations for the profitability of dairy farms. Despite plenty of research on diseases of mammary glands especially mastitis and sub-clinical mastitis, the incidence has not been reduced over the decades. Clinical nutrition is an important approach for maintenance of udder health in dairy animals. Potential to modulate mammary resistance against diseases by nutritional supplements has gained research and clinical practice interest. It also helped to focus on non-antimicrobial approaches to udder infection control. A review of the scientific literature available clearly indicated that there is a link between nutrition and udder health in dairy bovines. One of the main effects of nutrition on udder health is via the immune system. Dairy cattle and buffaloes in negative energy balance are at increased risk of udder and teat disorders particularly clinical and sub-clinical mastitis. Trace minerals and Vitamins that can affect udder health mainly include selenium, zinc, copper, Vitamin A, p-carotene, Vitamin E and Vitamin C. Herbs like tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), shatawari (Asparagus reacemosus), haldi (Curcuma longa) and guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) etc. can also be used along with trace minerals (selenium, copper, zinc), vitamins (vitamin A and E) to maintain the optimum udder health and reduce the chances of udder infections particularly mastitis in dairy animals. Top Keywords Herb, Mastitis, Mineral, Nutrition, Vitamin. Top |