Selenium and Mammary Resistance to Infectious Disease

Authors

  • R. J. Erskine Department of Veterinary Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Pk, PA 16802
  • R. J. Eberhart Department of Veterinary Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Pk, PA 16802
  • P. J. Grasso Department of Veterinary Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Pk, PA 16802
  • R. W. Scholz Department of Veterinary Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Pk, PA 16802

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21423/aabppro19887030

Keywords:

Selenium, mastitis trial, mammary resistance, Vitamin E

Abstract

We designed an experimental mastitis trial to study, under more controlled conditions, the effect of Se on mammary resistance to disease. We divided twenty Holstein heifers into two groups of ten. One group was maintained on a Se deficient (Se-) diet with 0.04ppm Se on a total ration basis. The other group was fed a selenium adequate (Se+) diet that contained 0.14ppm Se. We fed both groups identical rations, except the Se+ group received an additional 2 mg of Se per head per day. All other nutrients, including Vitamin E, were fed at or above NRC recommended levels. We challenged the heifers at about 14 weeks post-partum with 30 colony forming units (cfu) of Escherichia coli in one quarter. Quarters selected for challenge had SCC <250,000 cells / ml and no prior infections.

Cover image of the Proceedings of the 21st Annual Convention: Cover image is a photo of cattle grazing alongside a river with pine trees and a mountain range in the background. Journal title is written in the upper left corner and conference information in the lower right.

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Published

1988-09-28

Issue

1988

Section

Dairy Split Session II