The Effect on Serum Mineral Levels of Acute Septic Mastitis and Clinical Mastitis in Cows

The purpose of this study is to identify serum Na, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Fe levels in cows with acute septic mastitis (ASM) and clinical mastitis (CM). The study consisted 80 cows between the ages of three and five in four groups (ASM, n=20; CM, n=20; Control-1 C1=20, healthy cows, together with ASM or CM cows; Control-2, C2=20, healthy cows, without ASM or CM cows). Serum Na, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu and Fe levels were determined by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The Mg levels were lower in the ASM group compared to C1 and C2 groups (P<0.05, and P<0.001 respectively). Zn levels in the ASM and CM animals were lower than those in control groups (P<0.01). Fe concentrations that of the ASM group were found to be statistically lower than in the other groups (P<0.001). The glutaraldehyde (GLA) test was positive in the ASM and CM groups but negative in the control groups. In conclusion, lower levels of Mg, Zn and Fe were found with acute septic mastitis. In clinical mastitis, on the other hand, only the Mg and Zn levels were low. Na, K, Ca and Cu values were not affected. It may also be beneficial to apply minerals such as Mg, Zn and Fe in mastitis treatment