Nutrient imbalance, bacteria cause of cattle abortions
Information regarding the cause of the massive livestock abortions experienced on farms surrounding Windhoek has been made available.
Massive abortions in cattle, sheep and goats were experienced since July last year in the Khomas Region, but isolated reports have also emerged from other regions.
The Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU) last year issued an urgent notice to livestock producers requesting information regarding the very high number of abortions among livestock, reporting losses to range from 40% to 85% in herds.
According to the NAU, tests performed by a South African laboratory indicated a trace mineral imbalance in most of the animals, with some also showing indications of secondary bacterial infections.
However, the union confirmed there was no single consistent mineral abnormality and this would be expected as these outbreaks were experienced in different geographical locations, where environmental conditions vary.
Drs Jolandie van der Westhuizen and Anselm Voigts, who took the lead in the investigation, indicated that the most salient result of their probe shows the routine evaluation of liver samples of animals submitted for slaughter is an important monitoring tool to reduce the risks of micronutrient imbalances.
“It is important that all supplements provided are balanced and meet the recommended requirements from a micronutrient perspective. Give injectable micro-minerals according to recommendations. Mostly before breeding, before calving and before weaning,” said the NAU.
The bacterial infection appears to be of a secondary nature and is a consequence of foetal immunosuppression. It is advisable that farmers use the knowledge and experience of private veterinarians and nutritionists in a holistic herd health approach to prevent diseases and increase production.
ELLANIE SMIT
Massive abortions in cattle, sheep and goats were experienced since July last year in the Khomas Region, but isolated reports have also emerged from other regions.
The Namibian Agricultural Union (NAU) last year issued an urgent notice to livestock producers requesting information regarding the very high number of abortions among livestock, reporting losses to range from 40% to 85% in herds.
According to the NAU, tests performed by a South African laboratory indicated a trace mineral imbalance in most of the animals, with some also showing indications of secondary bacterial infections.
However, the union confirmed there was no single consistent mineral abnormality and this would be expected as these outbreaks were experienced in different geographical locations, where environmental conditions vary.
Drs Jolandie van der Westhuizen and Anselm Voigts, who took the lead in the investigation, indicated that the most salient result of their probe shows the routine evaluation of liver samples of animals submitted for slaughter is an important monitoring tool to reduce the risks of micronutrient imbalances.
“It is important that all supplements provided are balanced and meet the recommended requirements from a micronutrient perspective. Give injectable micro-minerals according to recommendations. Mostly before breeding, before calving and before weaning,” said the NAU.
The bacterial infection appears to be of a secondary nature and is a consequence of foetal immunosuppression. It is advisable that farmers use the knowledge and experience of private veterinarians and nutritionists in a holistic herd health approach to prevent diseases and increase production.
ELLANIE SMIT
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