Successful lambing starts long before the first lamb arrives. The pre-tupping period is an important opportunity to ensure ewes are nutritionally prepared for breeding and the pregnancy ahead.
Alongside body condition, energy and protein nutrition, parasite control and general flock health, trace element status deserves consideration. Copper, cobalt, selenium and iodine all support biological processes important during breeding and pregnancy.
Why do trace elements matter?
Selenium - reproduction, immunity and antioxidant protection.
Selenium supports normal reproductive and immune function and forms an important part of the body's antioxidant defence system. Maintaining adequate status is important as ewes move through breeding and pregnancy and prepare for lambing.
Iodine - thyroid function and foetal development.
Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone production, helping regulate metabolism. During pregnancy, adequate iodine is particularly important for normal foetal growth and development.
Cobalt - vitamin B12 and energy metabolism.
Rumen microorganisms use cobalt to produce vitamin B12, which plays an essential role in energy metabolism. Maintaining adequate cobalt status helps support the ewe's ability to utilise nutrients as her requirements change through breeding and pregnancy.
Copper - supporting essential physiological processes.
Copper contributes to numerous enzyme systems and is involved in processes including iron metabolism, growth and normal physiological function including reproductive function, lamb development and energy metabolism.
From tupping to lambing
Trace element management shouldn't focus on mating alone. Tupping marks the beginning of approximately five months of pregnancy, during which the nutritional demands placed on the ewe progressively change.
The weeks before tupping therefore provide an ideal opportunity to assess trace element status and, where a requirement is identified, establish a strategy that extends beyond mating and supports the ewe throughout pregnancy.
Long-duration trace element supplementation
COSECURE™ and COSEICURE™ Sheep is the world's only soluble glass trace element bolus for sheep. A single bolus provides a controlled and continuous supply of trace elements for up to 8 months in sheep.
As the soluble phosphate glass gradually dissolves in the reticulorumen, trace elements are released daily until the entire bolus eventually dissolves leaving no residue behind.
COSEICURE™ Sheep provides copper, cobalt, selenium and iodine, offering a practical long-duration supplementation option where these trace elements are required.
Prepare now for the months ahead
Successful breeding and pregnancy depend on many interconnected factors, including body condition, energy and protein supply, disease control, parasite management and ram fertility.
Trace elements are one part of that picture - but where deficiencies exist, they can compromise otherwise good flock management.
This pre-tupping don't just prepare ewes for the ram. Prepare them for the pregnancy ahead.
Trace element supplementation should be based on flock requirements. Particular care should be taken when supplementing copper to sheep due to the risk of toxicity. Seek veterinary, nutritional or suitably qualified advice where appropriate.
Bimeda's unique trace element boluses are available from your vet or local agri trade merchant. Bimeda can be contacted on:
Bimeda UK
Tel: +44 (0)1248 725 400
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