Project update (November 2019): Comparing different methods of trace element supplementation for store lamb growth

A group of approximately 150 autumn-purchased store lambs have been randomly allocated (using a random number generator) to one of three groups (n=50). The three groups will receive the following treatments:

  1. Group 1 (red group) will receive a monthly commercially available oral trace element supplement.  
  2. Group 2 (yellow group) will receive a Downland Essential Lamb bolus.
  3. Group 3 (purple group) will receive a Carrs Billington Ovi-trace lamb bolus.  

 

All lambs were marked with a coloured spray according to the group they were allocated (red, yellow and purple).


The drench and boluses will be administered as per the directions of use. All lambs in the project will be grazed as one group with no supplementary feeding. This should keep variables to a minimum and allow for a fair comparison. Blood samples from five lambs from each group have been collected by a Victoria Fisher (veterinary surgeon at Farm First Vets who is leading on the project) prior to treatment for copper, cobalt and selenium. The blood samples results can be found below;

 

Cobalt

Treatment

Number of lambs showing cobalt deficiency (out of 5)

Drench (Red)

  3

Downland Bolus (Yellow)

  2

Tracesure Bolus (Purple)

  2

 

Selenium

No deficiencies were identified 

 

Copper

Elevations in various animals 

 

No severe deficiencies were identified with regards to copper levels in the fifteen  lambs that had been blood sampled, however it should be noted that two lambs showed mildly elevated copper levels. This is unlikely to be a toxicity but more likely a possible underlying inflammation (e.g. due to pneumonia, Parasitic Gastroenteritis (PGE)). 

These blood samples will be repeated after three months to assess if levels have been maintained adequately as claimed by these products. Liveweights from all lambs in the groups will be monitored at least monthly.

Due to welfare concerns of the animals there will be no un-supplemented (control) group.

Lambs will be monitored throughout the process for any other illnesses. If deemed to be unrelated to the project, their results will be discarded from the project.
 

Lambs grazing at Pentre Farm, Llansoy, Usk

 

150 store bought lambs were split into three groups of 50 using a random number generator.