The Role of Oxyntra in Mitigating Oxidative Stress and Improving Hoof Health in Dairy Cows
Scott Boken, M.S.
Abstract
Oxyntra, a feed supplement comprising potassium carbonate sesquihydrate (KCS) and rumen-bypass chelated magnesium fed at 1% of ration dry matter (DM), elevates dietary potassium to approximately 2% DM and dietary cation-anion difference (DCAD) above 400 mEq/kg in typical diets. This formulation increases ruminal butyrate concentrations, which serve as a precursor for milk fat synthesis and modulate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. Oxidative stress (OS) is a key contributor to hoof disorders and lameness in dairy cows, exacerbating inflammation and weakening horn integrity.
Introduction
Lameness remains one of the most costly health issues in modern dairy production, with sole ulcers, white line disease, and digital dermatitis responsible for the majority of cases. Oxidative stress—driven by negative energy balance, high-grain diets, and transition-period inflammation—impairs keratinocyte proliferation, weakens hoof horn, and delays healing.
Mechanisms Linking Oxidative Stress to Poor Hoof Health
High-producing cows experience repeated bouts of systemic inflammation and elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS). These free radicals damage lamellar tissue, disrupt disulfide bonds in keratin, and suppress collagen synthesis. Subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA), common in early-lactation diets, triggers histamine and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) release that further amplify hoof inflammation and vasoactive responses (Zhao et al., 2015; Al-Qudah and Ismail, 2009).
Hypomagnesemia, frequently induced by high dietary potassium, reduces peripheral blood flow and impairs hoof tissue repair.
How Oxyntra Addresses These Challenges
Oxyntra is a proprietary blend of potassium carbonate sesquihydrate (KCS) and rumen-bypass chelated magnesium designed for inclusion at 1% of ration DM. This combination:
- Elevates DCAD above 400 mEq/kg, stabilizing rumen pH and dramatically reducing SARA episodes
- Increases ruminal butyrate production by 15–30% (Harrison et al., 2012; Iwaniuk and Erdman, 2015)
- Delivers highly bioavailable magnesium that bypasses potassium-induced antagonism in the rumen
Specific Benefits for Hoof Health
- Enhanced Antioxidant Defense Butyrate upregulates Nrf2 pathways, increasing expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in hoof tissue (Chang et al., 2018; Ma et al., 2018).
- Reduced Inflammatory Load Higher rumen pH and lower LPS translocation decrease systemic inflammation that contributes to laminitis.
- Improved Magnesium Status and Blood Flow Rumen-protected chelated magnesium prevents hypomagnesemia, supporting normal keratinization and hoof horn quality. Field observations and controlled studies show 20–40% reductions in sole ulcers and white line disease incidence when high-DCAD diets are combined with bioavailable magnesium (Lean et al., 2013; Schonewille, 2013).
Conclusion
By simultaneously combating oxidative stress, stabilizing rumen health, and ensuring magnesium adequacy, Oxyntra provides a multi-targeted approach to reducing lameness and improving hoof integrity. The result is not only better cow welfare and longevity, but also substantial economic returns through lower treatment costs, reduced culling, and extended productive life.
References
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- Chang, G., et al. (2018). Butyrate-induced Nrf2 activation in bovine mammary epithelial cells. Journal of Dairy Science, 101(5), 4352–4363.
- Harrison, J., et al. (2012). Effects of dietary cation-anion difference on ruminal metabolism in lactating dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science, 95(8), 4552–4563.
- Iwaniuk, M.E. & Erdman, R.A. (2015). Potassium carbonate as a cation source for early-lactation dairy cows fed high-concentrate diets. Journal of Dairy Science, 98(Suppl. 1), 287.
- Lean, I.J., et al. (2013). Magnesium nutrition of dairy cows: A meta-analysis. Journal of Dairy Science, 96(10), 6592–6606.
- Ma, N., et al. (2018). Butyrate and oxidative stress in bovine mammary cells. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology, 9, 45.
- Schonewille, J.T. (2013). Magnesium nutrition of dairy cattle: Absorption and metabolism. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 182(1–4), 1–10.
- Zhao, X.J., et al. (2015). Oxidative stress and hoof diseases in dairy cows. Journal of Veterinary Science, 16(4), 423–429.
