HERFS/AUTUMN BONUS TYDSKRIF 2026

of antibodies from the mother to the offspring via the placenta. • A newborn ruminant has two weeks after birth with very little to no active immunity against disease and pathogens until an active immune system develops. • Colostrum is the ONLY way that a calf/ lamb can get antibodies from the mother to boost immunity. • Colostrum can only be absorbed in the first six hours after birth. If large quantities of colostrum are not obtained within this period, the chances of survival and/or occurrence of disease and dependence on medication are drastically increased. • Nutrition for good quality colostrum starts at least six weeks before calving/lambing. Creep feeding to improve rumen development • The optimal window for rumen development is between 14 and 40 days of age. The sooner and stronger a rumen can develop, the better the chances are of survival and performance in an extensive grazing system, and a feedlot scenario. • Creep feed with a proper composition from a very young age (day 2–3) has a very positive effect on rumen development and subsequent growth and immunity improvement. • The cost-to-benefit ratio of this practice is very positive and more than pays for itself. This practice improves the development of the young and reduces the nutritional pressure on the reproducing herd, resulting in overall better condition and immunity. Animals that are in better condition do not get sick easily. Minerals and trace minerals • Minerals like Ca, P, and Mg play a crucial role in skeletal development and maintenance. Sufficient levels are required during late gestation and lactation to boost foetal growth and development. • Mineral deficiencies are correlated with pika, loss of condition, and immunity, lower reproduction rates, and a fragile bone structure, leading to injuries. • P is very deficient in SA and also plays a role in the energy metabolism system. • Trace minerals and vitamins are often neglected and have a huge impact on the maintenance of the immune system. Se plays a crucial role in the GPX system, which is directly responsible for an immune response. • Quality organic trace minerals help to resolve issues of interaction between trace minerals and the environmental impacts of the efficiency of supplementation. • Vitamins also need to be supplemented, especially in the dry season, to maintain a healthy status. Reproduction and nutrition • An animal with a low body condition score (BCS) will not reproduce, or will more easily abort or resorb a foetus, causing complications, infections, and a severely compromised immune system. • Malnutrition also delays the hormonal patterns and cycles of reproducing animals. • The basal diet of a ruminant is roughage, and this should always be sufficient and managed well to ensure the best immunity and BCS in the breeding herd. The use of ionophores (AMGP) and antibiotics • As discussed in the second article, ionophores used in feed to improve performance are not medically important antibiotics and bring more benefits than risk. • Having said that, alternatives are available and De Heus is the leading agent in promoting the use of alternatives, tested and proven to have the same or better results since 2018 in SA. • Antibiotics in feed are very seldom used for ruminants, and mostly on veterinarian prescriptions. Most antibiotics administered are via injections and on a veterinarian prescription or OTC use, which is only 1,2% if used irresponsibly. Management of the feeding programme • All these facts are useless unless it is packaged in a planned feeding programme based on the different production cycles of our animals and the varying needs for nutrition. • De Heus has specific programmes to address the nutritional needs for all production phases and circumstances, and the products that have been tested and proven to give ruminants the best possible www.agribonus.co.za Herfs/Autumn 2026 BONUS 101