Minerals are essential for growth, reproduction and immunity
Ovimin contains organic complex minerals:
Mineral uptake in ruminants
• Ovimin contains organic minerals in a very specific complex.
• Minerals are bound to glycine, the smallest amino acid available, making it easy to transport across cell membranes. *
• This improves bioavailability and absorption of the mineral complex, proven by gastro-intestinal
simulation studies. *
• The complex forms a tight bond.
• Decreased likelihood of the minerals binding with antagonists. *
• The complex is stable at different pH levels in the rumen. *
• Has high solubility. *
• Minerals are therefore safely transported to the intestine, where most absorption takes place. [5] *
• Absorption occurs in the small and large intestine.
• Organic minerals are bound to glycine which acts as a carrier (ligand) to carry the minerals across membranes. Absorption is quicker since no other carrier is needed.*
• Inorganic minerals need to first bind to a ligand (amino acid) before it can be transported across membranes. The number of free ligands available will determine how much mineral is absorbed.
• The complex travels through the intestinal mucosa and is absorbed by the mucosal cells.*
• The lower pH in the intestinal mucosal cells results in the mineral separating from the ligand.
• The mineral is then absorbed into the blood stream and circulated in the body.
• Without a ligand, the mineral cannot
be absorbed by the intestine and is excreted instead.
For optimum growth and production, supplement
minerals during critical phases of the animal production cycle.
Reproduction and
Immunity
Zink
Selenium
Vitamin EManganese
Includes the essential amino acid Lysine:
• It is the first amino acid to be depleted in animals.
• Improves rumen microbial protein synthesis.
• Maize based diets are often deficient in lysine which is especially of concern in lambs.
The benefits of oral supplementation:
• Correct dose is given to each animal.
• Dominant animals may prevent others from receiving sufficient mineral lick.
Largeintestine
Smallintestine
Rumen
Omasum
Abomasum
Reticulum
Ingestion
Intestinal wall
Basolateralcompartment
Inorganicmineral
To bloodstream
Ligand
Mineral molecule binds to ligand before absorbed
Amino acid glycine (ligand) bound to mineralis quickly absorbed
Organicmineral
Total not absorbed
Total absorbed
Absorption of organic minerals in ruminants*
BreedingRams and ewes
Weaninglambs 90 - 100
days old
ParturitionEwes - 6 weeks
before and after
• Minerals are needed for improved reproduction, growth and wool production.
• The higher the production level of an animal, the higher their requirements are for trace elements.
• Deficiencies of minerals are known to compromise an animal’s immune system.
• Intake of bioavailable minerals is necessary in postpartum animals for proper involution of the uterus, display of oestrus, ovulation, conception and maintenance of a new foetus.
• Animals with sub-clinical deficiencies continue to reproduce or grow, but may have decreased feed efficiency. Clinical symptoms do not show easily which makes recognising a deficiency difficult.
• Most pastures in South Africa are deficient in minerals.
The importance of minerals
Amino acid
Sulphate
Mineral
Dosage instructions:
References:1.J. P. Felix D'Mello. Amino Acids in Animal Nutrition.2.Sheep Nutrition edited by M. Freer, H. Dove. 2002. CABI.3.J.A. Paterson, C.K. Swenson, R.P. Ansotegui, B. Wellington. 1999. The Absorption of Copper and Zinc by Cattle Consuming Diets Containing the Antagonists Molybdenum, Sulfur, and Iron. Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University. Minnesota. 4.J.B.J. van Ryssen. 2006. An evaluation of the trace element nutritional status of grazers in the eastern regions of the Free State and Mpumalanga. Department of Animal& Wildlife Sciences, University of Pretoria ,South Africa. SA-ANIM SCI 2006, vol 7:http://www.sasas.co.za/Popular/Popular.html 22. 5.J. W. Spears. 2003. Trace Mineral Bioavailability in Ruminants. The American Society for Nutritional Sciences. J. Nutr. vol. 133 no. 5 1506S-1509S.6.C.C. GRANT1, H.C. BIGGS1 & H.H. MEISSNER2. 1996. Demarcation of potentially mineral-deficient areas in central and northern Namibia by means of natural classification systems. Onderstepoort Journal of Veterinary Research, 63:109-120.7.Ionescu et al, 2011, University of Switzerland.8.Ettle et al, 2007. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 90: 216–222
- Deficiency is not common but occurs quickly due to management factors and affects fertility, conception and growth.
- Organic forms improve production response and disease recovery. [5]
Selenium - Improves Vitamin E absorption.- Part of thyroid hormone.- Immunity.
- Deficiency is common in coastal areas and pastures of Mpumalanga and Free State. [4]
- Organic form shows higher tissue concentration and retention. [5]
Magnesium - Needed for over 300 enzyme functions for energy metabolism and muscle relaxation.
- Reduces stress and muscle cramps.- Deficiency causes tetany.
Cobalt - Vitamin B12 synthesis for gut microbes.
- Bacterial fibre fermentation.
- High requirement in ruminants.- Deficiency causes emaciation, listlessness.- Soluble inorganic sources needed
for optimal absorption in rumen.
Manganese - Bone and cartilage synthesis.- Enzyme function.- Reproduction.- Immunity.
- Deficiency retards growth.- Deficiencies are common in Karoo.- Marginal deficiency in 50% of Free State and Mpumalanga animals. [4]
- Low content in winter plant material.
Vitamin A - Eye sight.- Mucous membrane protection.- Development of bones, teeth and
nervous tissue.
- Low content in concentrates, winter grazing and during stress.
Vitamin D Aids in the formation of bones and teeth.
For animals kept indoors who do not receive sufficient sunlight.
Vitamin E - Needed for selenium absorption.- Antioxidant
Decreases occurrence of mastitis.
Contents:
Important:
Sheep should not be fed mineral mixes that have been formulated for other animal species.
Sheep cannot tolerate excess copper as it is stored in the liver and can cause a toxic reaction, resulting in death. Producers should not provide supplemental copper to their sheep unless a deficiency has been confirmed through laboratory tests.
OVIMIN can be added to drinking water or given orally. Apply the dose directly on the tongue.
Young lambs over 20 kg: 8 - 10 mℓ
Adult ewes and rams: 20 - 25 mℓ
Drinking water: Add 6 mℓ per 10 ℓ water daily for 5 days
Available in1 ℓ, 5 ℓ and 25 ℓ.
Reg. No. V24722 (Act 36/1947)
Phase Time Animals Reason
Breeding season 6 weeks before Rams, ewes To increase fertility
Parturition 6 weeks before Ewes Aid in lambing and and after birth help prevent retained placenta
Weaning 3- 6 weeks before Ewes, lambs Change of diet and weaning stress during weaning can negatively affect growth and production.
