The Immune Responder
Zinc is involved in immune responses in many ways. Zinc dependant enzymes are involved in protein and nucleic acid synthesis and are therefore required for cell proliferation. This is particularly important in lymphocytes and phagocytes (white blood cells which attack infection) development and function. Animals with zinc deficiency have been shown to have depressed or deficient immune function as a result, a situation which is at least partially reversed by providing zinc supplements to the animals concerned.
Zinc also has a vital role in membrane integrity, which may help cells to defend against attack, and has antioxidant properties.
Many of the reported problems of zinc deficiency and benefits of zinc supplementation are linked to its involvement in immune responses.
Supplementation
Zincosel provides a constant supplementation of zinc, selenium and cobalt to the rumen for four to eight months.