Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine the serum copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) concentrations of Holstein dairy cows in different seasonal and physiological states. A total of 250 blood samples were collected from healthy Holstein dairy cows. Blood samples were divided according to season, pregnancy, gestation period, calving number, and milk yield. The Cu, Fe, and Zn contents were assessed in samples using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Neither the seasonal nor the physiological changes affect mean serum Cu and Fe concentrations of Holstein dairy cattle. Mean Zn concentrations in serum vary only with physiological changes, including gestation period and milk yield. In cattle groups divided based on gestation period, the mean serum Zn concentrations were significantly higher for under 3 months than for 6–9 months (P < 0.05). In cattle groups divided based on daily milk yield, the highest serum Zn concentrations were related to the group under 10 kg/day (P < 0.05). In present study, although slight differences were observed in serum Cu, Zn, and Fe concentration in different seasonal and physiological states, especial care must be taken when concentrates are supplemented in different physiological states of Holstein dairy cows by trace elements.
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The authors are thankful to Animal Science Research Institute of Iran and Isfahan Research Center for Agriculture and Natural Resources for funding the research and technical support.
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Noaman, V. Serum copper, zinc, and iron concentrations of Holstein dairy cows in different seasonal and physiological states. Comp Clin Pathol 23, 1059–1062 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-013-1742-4
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00580-013-1742-4