Volume 23 • Issue 01 • 2019
The Livestock Health and
Production Review is published
Bi-monthly by Vetlink
Copyright reserved.
Expressions of opinion, claims and
statement of supposed facts do not
necessarily reflect the views of the
editor or publisher. While every
effort is made to report accurately,
the publisher or the editor does not
accept any liability with regard to
any statement, advertisement, fact
or recommendation made in this
magazine.
Editor
CONTENT
Trace Mineral Nutrition of Beef Cattle Application of Injectable Trace
Minerals 04
Probiotic Species in the Modulation of Gut Microbiota: An Overview 11
[CPD] Potential Effects and Interactions of Oxidative Stress and Trace
Minerals on Semen Quality of Bulls
Some Lessons Learned over Five Decades of Research
Welcome to the first edition of the Review for 2019. We have
partnered with Dairymail to handle our sponsors and advertisers
and they will also be distributing the Review. In addition, you will
be receiving a free copy of the Dairymail with every edition of the
Review.
The main theme of this edition is nutrition, with a focus on
mineral and vitamin supplementation. It is fascinating to notice
that there is a thread that connects all the articles. Factors that
seem to be unconnected are shown to be interconnected in
unexpected ways.
Heinrich van Rijn
Patron
Danie Odendaal
letters for publication.
Send them to:
The Editor,
PO Box 232,
GROENKLOOF, 0027
Tel: (012) 346 1590, 0825756479
Fax: 086 671 9907
[email protected]
28
EDITOR’s Note
Layout and design
contributions, topic suggestions and
26
What is Inflammation and why should you be Concerned?
Madaleen Schultheiss
We welcome any comments,
21
A Tribute to Veterinary Pioneers: Peter Newton Collier
Production and advertising
Vetlink Publications
18
Ruralvet - In the real world: Diatoms and Aloes as Feed Supplements
Mark Chimes
Publisher and Owner:
06
Prof Bath mentions how uroliths are caused by excess phosphorous and “Geeldikkop” is caused
by chronic copper poisoning. Dr Joop Boomker ponders the fact that game will eat aloes in areas
where there is not a saltpan to act as a lick. And whether these aloes do not perhaps contain the
trace minerals that these animals crave. Especially since aloes tend to grow on the more mineral
rich soils. Dr Johan van Rooyen has also observed the fact that antelope will eat certain aloes in
the winter, despite aloes being extremely bitter. He also observes that the mineral content on a
farm can vary tremendously from one area to the next.
Prof. Arthington also mentions that it can be difficult to determine the mineral intake of animals
since the mineral content can vary so much between different seasons and different areas on
a farm. He suggests using injectable trace minerals to stimulate the animal’s immunity and
improve production. Dr Connie Larson in turn, mentions how heat stress and gut integrity are
the most common causes of inflammation and how this can be counteracted by supplementing
performance trace minerals. Especially since heat stress can lead to leaky gut which leads to
inflammation. Which in turn has a negative effect on production and reproduction. Azad et al, in
turn, discusses how probiotic Lactobacillus strains have been found to increase gastrointestinal
barrier function. Thereby reducing inflammation. They further comment on how various
probiotic species have been reported to prevent many degenerative diseases, including obesity,
diabetes, certain cancers, cardiovascular disease, malignancy, liver diseases, and irritable bowel
disease. Dr Martin Ferreira explains how trace minerals help to reduce oxidative stress and the
resultant sperm damage that leads to reduced fertility in bulls.
And so, it turns out, everything is connected to everything else
Enjoy the reading
Warm regards
Mark Chimes
3