Trace minerals play a vital role in reproductive processes. Requirements for ewes increase significantly around the time of joining, and again at lambing. Act now to prevent trace mineral and vitamin deficiencies in ewes that will lamb in autumn and in ewes that are being joined for spring lambing.
Trace minerals and vitamins are essential to many body functions, such as growth, immune defence, fertilisation, maintenance of pregnancy and lactation. They are absorbed by sheep when pasture and soil are consumed. Copper, selenium, manganese, zinc and cobalt are among the most important trace minerals in livestock1. However, they are also amongst the most common mineral deficiencies in sheep in Australia2.
Sub-optimal mineral balance at critical times such as joining and lambing, can mean that increased trace mineral and vitamin requirements are not met for high performing flocks. Supplementation of trace minerals to achieve optimum health and reproductive performance is an important part of any sheep health management plan.
There are many areas, particularly in southern Australia, that are at risk of copper, selenium and cobalt deficiencies3. Since cobalt is a precursor of vitamin B12, a deficiency in this trace mineral also results in deficiency of vitamin B12, which plays a critical role in energy metabolism.
Trace mineral availability depends on many factors including: type of soil, application of certain fertilisers, seasonal fluctuations in pasture, type of concentrate diet, as well as the age and reproductive status of the flock.
It’s important to understand the risk of deficiencies to then take steps to correct or prevent imbalances. A first place to start is by asking neighbours, veterinarians or health advisors about known deficiencies in your area. A more detailed approach can be taken by conducting specific tests on soil, plants and sheep, and/or assessing the response to supplementation, in consultation with your veterinarian or sheep health advisor.
Once deficiencies have been identified, pasture and animal management can be considered.
Top dressing of pastures is a management option for some trace minerals (e.g., copper, selenium and cobalt) however, the response can be variable and dressing can be expensive. Trace mineral management of pastures should be planned with advice from an agronomist.
Animal trace mineral and vitamin supplements are available in the form of mineral blocks, drenches, capsules and injections. There are pros and cons to consider for each form, such as duration of action, variability of intake, accuracy of dosing, convenience of administration and trace mineral composition of the supplement. In this regard, injectable trace minerals offer accurate dosing for every animal, simple administration and does not rely on the voluntary consumption or individual variability of absorption for different oral supplements.
An injectable supplement such as Marks Min Low Copper Injectable Trace Mineral with Vitamin B12 for Sheep can be strategically timed to support optimal health and reproduction by injecting ewes 4 weeks pre-joining and again 4 weeks pre-lambing. It is specifically formulated for sheep and contains selenium, copper, zinc, manganese and vitamin B12.
Management of trace minerals and vitamins is an important factor in supporting the reproductive performance of your flock. Consult your veterinarian or animal health advisor for specific supplementation advice to prepare your ewes for joining and lambing.