Optimizing Milk Production and Health in Sheep
The production of good-quality sheep milk requires an adequate diet and efficient feed utilization. In intensive production systems, increased fecundity and higher milk production often lead to negative energy balance and ketosis, known as pregnancy toxemia, in ewes. Negative energy balance in ewes is responsible for reduced production and consequent fertility issues and can even result in the ewe’s death. Supplementing the diet with the yeast probiotic Actisaf® Sc 47 helps improve the energy balance and milk performance.
Source: Mavrommatis, A., Mitsiopoulou, C., Christodoulou, C., Karabinas, D., Nenov, V., Zervas, G., Tsiplakou, E., 2020. Dietary supplementation of a live yeast product on dairy sheep milk performance, oxidative and immune status in peripartum period. J Fungi (Basel) 6.https://doi.org/10.3390/jof6040334
Reducing effects of pregnancy toxemia
Supplementing dairy ewes with a combination of Actisaf® Sc 47, Safmannan®, and Selsaf® during the peripartum period can provide significant benefits. Actisaf® Sc 47 helps maintain a healthy rumen environment and improve nutrient availability, while Safmannan® supports gut health and immune function. Selsaf®, a selenium-enriched yeast, can neutralize the oxidative stress associated with negative energy balance. This comprehensive approach helps mitigate the risk of subclinical pregnancy toxemia, a prevalent issue in intensively raised flocks, ultimately improving ewe and lamb performance and survival.
Source: Christodoulou, C. et all, Effect of dietary supplementation with probiotic and postbiotic yeast. Products on ewes milk performance and immune oxidative status. https://doi.org/10.3390/jof9121139
Strengthening Ewe Antioxidant Defenses
The inclusion of Selsaf®, a selenium-enriched yeast, in the Actisaf® and Safmannan® supplementation program for ewes during the parturition period provides significant benefits to their antioxidant status. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the blood plasma was significantly increased in the Actisaf®+ Safmannan®+ Selsaf® group compared to the control. SOD is a crucial first line of defense against reactive oxygen species, catalyzing the dismutation of superoxide anions and reducing the risk of oxidative cell damage. By enhancing this key antioxidant enzyme, Selsaf® helps support the ewes’ natural defenses during the physiologically demanding transition around lambing.
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