The provision of zinc sulphate in water for dairy cattle to prevent facial eczema: can it work?

Key Points

• To assess the effectiveness of zinc sulphate supplementation via drinking water in preventing facial eczema in dairy cattle.
• Evaluated serum zinc concentrations after zinc supplementation in drinking water.
• Monitored individual and group water consumption patterns.
• Assessed variability in zinc absorption among dairy cattle.
• Zinc supplementation did not reliably increase serum zinc concentrations.
• Individual water consumption varied significantly among cattle groups.
• Water-based zinc supplementation is not recommended for facial eczema prevention.