Gut Health in Small Ruminants
How can I manage my herd’s gut health?
In order to begin properly managing your herd’s gut health, it helps to begin monitoring and tracking your data. Once you conduct a health check on the present situation at your facility, you can then begin taking steps to improve the digestive health of your animals.
Why is gut health important?
Gut health is the foundation of performance and profitability. Scientists believe that 90% of diseases can be traced back to gut health and the microbiome. The establishment of the microbiome in young animals has a lifelong impact. Holistic nutrition and management practices provide the most optimal approach to understanding and managing your animals’ health and performance and, in turn, your business.
Major challenges that impact gut health in small ruminants
- Coccidiosis
- Clostridia
- Salmonella
- E. coli
- Heat stress
- Transportation stress
- Poor water consumption
- Improper nutrition
Signs of poor gut health in small ruminants
- Diarrhea
- Lesions
- Mortality
- Weight loss
- Efficiency loss
- Additional veterinary treatments and cost
5 ways to help enhance your animals’ gut health
1. Implement proactive, preventative solutions (such as a probiotic) that will help build the integrity and microflora of the gut.
2. Ensure that animals are receiving the proper diet and nutrient absorption throughout each stage of life.
3. Maintain proper management of environment and water.
4. Enforce strict biosecurity protocols.
5. Monitor the health and performance of your animals.