Effects of melatonin on Dairy Herd Improvement (DHI) of Holstein cow with mastitis

Background: Mastitis is a common disease in cows breeding. The milk quality will be significantly reduced with increased milk somatic cells which often occur in cows with mastitis. In the current study, we reported that melatonin significantly reduced the milk somatic cell count in Holstein cow with mastitis. In addition, the nutritional value of the milk also significantly improved by melatonin treatment. Results: The results showed that melatonin significantly suppressed the milk somatic cell score under any of the tested conditions. A long term of melatonin application (one year) to the cows with mastitis suppressed the somatic cell score by roughly 63% which was more efficiency than that of some antibiotic treatments. Melatonin treatment also improved the milk nutritional value by reducing its fat but increasing its lactose and protein contents. Conclusions: Melatonin application significantly improved DHI. The beneficial effects of melatonin on DHI are likely attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of melatonin.