Periparturient immunosuppression and role of micronutrients in cows: A review

The immune system of dairy cows is suppressed around parturition and there is an increased susceptibility to infectious diseases. A balanced supply of micronutrients, such as vitamins A and E and the trace elements zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and selenium (Se) is very important particularly during the late dry period and early stages of lactation as deficiency of these micronutrients have been associated with an increased incidence of diseases. These micronutrients are cellular antioxidants, preventing peroxidative damage, either in cell membranes (vitamins) or in the cytoplasm (trace elements), and are essential for a normal functioning of the immune system.