An animal’s oxidative balance is one of the many factors that can limit milk production and the producer’s bottom line.

Signs of Oxidative Stress
Dealing with oxidative stress requires more energy from the animal that could be used for milk production, growth, longevity and overall animal productivity. Clinical signs can include retained placenta, udder edema and mastitis, as well as delayed first estrus, delayed first breeding and repeat breeding resulting from failure to conceive or from early embryonic death. For producers, this means increased calving intervals, lowered production and, ultimately, culling of cows for failure to breed. All of these clinical signs are costly and reduce profitability for the dairy producer.

Causes of Oxidative Stress
There are many causes of oxidative stress that can cost a producer money. Disease challenges such as bacterial and viral pathogens can be linked to oxidative stress. Fast growth, early lactation and obesity can also elevate oxidative stress. Environmental conditions, such as heat stress, increase oxidative stress. Finally, the diet plays a key role. Vitamin and mineral imbalances can be linked to oxidative stress as well.