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The development of a soluble glass bolus to deliver selenium and cobalt to sheep

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 November 2021

N.R. Kendall
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds. LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
A.M. Mackenzie
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds. LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
S.B. Telfer
Affiliation:
Department of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, University of Leeds, Leeds. LS2 9JT, United Kingdom
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Extract

Trace element deficiencies have been reported throughout the UK and are known to decrease the productivity and welfare of animals. Selenium deficiency is characterised by muscular myopathy, white muscle disease or stiff lamb disease. Subclinical deficiencies can also cause reduced growth rate and impaired immune function. In ruminant animals, cobalt is required for the synthesis of vitamin B12 and deficiency leads to Pine, characterised by emaciation, anaemia and listlessness. Trace element deficiencies can be due to either a single element or multiple elements. Situations occur particularly in sheep where cobalt and/or selenium are deficient but where copper supplementation can be toxic. To correct these deficiencies, a single long-lasting and effective treatment in the form of a soluble glass bolus has been designed to release cobalt and selenium. This new bolus is similar to the commercial Cosecure® bolus, which is a Co/Se/Cu soluble glass, in which zinc replaces the copper.

Type
Minerals
Copyright
Copyright © The British Society of Animal Science 1996

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References

Telfer, S.B., Zervas, G. and Carlos, G. (1984). Curing or preventing deficiencies in copper, cobalt and selenium in cattle and sheep using tracerglass. Can. J. Anim. Sci., 64 (Suppl.l), 234235.10.4141/cjas84-239CrossRefGoogle Scholar