SHEEP MANAGEMENT - PRE-MATING: Trace mineral supplementation

The important role of trace minerals in optimal animal production is becoming increasingly clear. Although trace minerals are required in small amounts, they have a major impact on many body functions. They form an integral part of enzyme systems that have a multitude of functions in the animal's body. One of the most important functions of these enzymes is to limit/prevent oxidative stress as much as possible. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between oxidative oxygen species/free radicals (which is a natural process and has certain benefits/functions) and the antioxidant system (which must neutralize excess free radicals). A 2-Legged approach to trace mineral supplementation works best: daily oral supplementation via licks (daily maintenance) and then via an injectable supplement at a specific time, to increase levels so that any possibility of a trace mineral gap at physiologically important times can be prevented.

Rams

Trace mineral and vitamin supplementation is critical to optimize the quality and quantity of the semen. Spermatogenesis takes about 50 days up to maturisation. Therefore, an injectable trace mineral supplementation 12-8 weeks before the start of the mating season is very important. In addition to the trace mineral intake through licks/rations, a TOP UP injectable trace mineral supplement (Multimin^® + Se Sheep and Angora Goats or Multimin^® + Se + Cu Sheep and Angora Goats) is recommended. (A local bull semen trial clearly showed the benefit that Multimin supplementation can have on various semen parameters. Although we do not have trials specifically done on rams, we can assume with reasonable certainty that a similar effect will be obtained in rams).

The simultaneous dosing of OptiBoost will provide, among other things, a whole range of vitamins and amino acids that can be beneficial for sperm development. Supplementation with Ocean Gold (fish oil that is high in Vit A) and/or wheat germ oil can also be used to optimize the fertility of rams.

Ewes

In addition to the pre-lambing trace mineral and vitamin supplement, the pre-mating supplementation is also a very important TOP UP supplementation for ewes. During lambing, the ewe loses approximately a third of her trace mineral reserves through the lamb, the placenta and the amniotic fluid. The sooner these reserves can be replenished, the sooner the ewe will be able to come into heat again and produce viable ova for successful fertilization. This is especially applicable to accelerated lambing systems where the ewes have less time to recover after lambing. This supplementation can lead to:

• the improvement in conception rate

  • successful fertilization occurs

  • fewer embryonic resorptions occurring and

  • fewer ewes that do not become pregnant in a time limited mating season

• more ewes become pregnant earlier in the mating season. This results in the lambing season being more compact (shortened) - i.e. more ewes lamb in the 1st cycle

• more lambs are born earlier in the lambing season - leading to:

  • heavier lambs at weaning (300g to 400g per day a lamb is born earlier), which means more income,

  • facilitates management because lambs are more uniform

  • reduces the variation between lambs at weaning time - can negotiate a better price

• boosting vaccine response - better protection 

The ideal time for this supplementation (Multimin^® + Se Sheep and Angora Goats  or Multimin^® + Se + Cu Sheep and Angora Goats) is 4-6 weeks before the start of the mating season. The simultaneous dosing of OptiBoost will provide, among other things, a whole range of vitamins and amino acids. If vaccinations/dosing occur at this time, the actions can be combined to reduce handling.

OptiLumen Sheep and Goats can be used as an alternative, especially if the condition of ewes is not as desired. OptiLumen contains, in addition to trace minerals, amino acids and vitamins that can be beneficial in the pursuit of optimal reproduction.