Avoiding iodine deficiency in pregnant cattle and sheep is vital. That said, avoiding over supplementation is equally vital.
Iodine is important in the production of the thyroid hormones – triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones regulate metabolism and many bodily functions – immunity, reproduction, circulation, muscle development and lactation – to name a few.
An iodine deficiency can cause a multitude of production challenges:
- Immunity issues
- Goitre
- Retained placenta
- Abortion
- Stillbirth
- Fertility issues
- Poor growth
- Weak offspring
However, iodine toxicity (supplying too much) will risk:
- Poor absorption of colostrum antibodies
- Ill health or death in new born lambs and calves
Failure of maternal colostral antibody transfer in lambs linked to excess dietary iodine
Veterinary ‘surveillance’ of 100 ewes, from which 40 live lambs died within a few days of birth, concluded that “some ewes ingested sufficient iodine to cause a reduction in colostrum absorption by their lambs” (Source: VetRecord). The ewes were being fed daily with mineralised compound feed, and had access to mineral licks too.
In the same Vet Record report, another investigation of multiple lamb deaths at two to three days old found that hygiene and colostrum quality were good. Lamb post mortems identified normal milk clotting in the abomasum (stomach), but low levels of immunoglobulins in blood plasma, indicating “failure of maternal colostral antibody transfer.” The report suggested this was due to high levels of iodine supplementation in the ewes’ feed.
Best practice to overcome an iodine deficiency
It’s pretty natural to think more is better. But now you know this is not the case. Maximum iodine levels to aim for are:
- 9.9mg/kg of dry matter feed intake for ewes, and
- 4.4mg/kg DM for cows.
In addition to the iodine trace element levels, is the importance of iodine form/type. Potassium iodide gives a quick short-term release, whereas calcium iodate offers a slow long-term release. Many supplements only offer calcium iodate, and if you’re looking for a quick hit close-up to calving or lambing, it won’t do the job in time.
All ANIMAX Tracesure® boluses feature patented diffusion technology® for an optimal release of the right levels of iodine over a 6-month period. ANIMAX Tracesure® contains both a fast and slow release form of iodine for immediate and long term coverage.
Before supplementing, farmers should always contact their own vet, SQP, or a specialist at ANIMAX.
