image: koe weerstand

Strong resistance, strong cows: avoid leaky gut syndrome

Milk Cattle
Last year, bluetongue affected many dairy farms. The disease has not only resulted in severe symptoms in cows, such as fever, reduced feed intake and declining milk production, but also a significant impact on fertility and claw health. As the bluetongue vaccination campaign gets under way, it is crucial that cows have strong immunity. Only animals with a functioning immune system respond optimally to vaccinations, which increases effectiveness and long-term protection. A healthy rumen and a strong intestinal system play a key role in this.

Why is good resistance so important for vaccination?

Vaccines activate the immune system to build a defence response against bluetongue. When a cow's resistance is too low, the immune response will be insufficient, resulting in suboptimal or short-term protection. Robust resistance requires a combination of a healthy rumen, an intact intestinal system, sufficient nutrients and minimal stress.

Important factors for strong immunity:

  • Optimal rumen function: A well-functioning rumen ensures efficient digestion and absorption of nutrients that support the immune system.

  • Healthy gut wall: A leaky gut (Leaky Gut Syndrome) allows harmful substances to enter the bloodstream, leading to inflammation and weakened immunity.

  • Sufficient energy and protein: Cows deficient in glucogenic energy and resistant protein are less resistant to infections and vaccinations.

  • Reducing stress: Overcrowding and competition at the feed fence weaken resistance and reduce vaccination effectiveness.

The role of a healthy rumen and intestinal function

A healthy rumen is the foundation of a strong cow. If the rumen does not function properly, essential nutrients are not used optimally and there is an increased risk of rumen acidification and leaky gut.

Dangers of rumen acidification and acid maize

  • One of the biggest threats to a healthy rumen is rumen acidification, often caused by acid fermented maize or a ration that ferments too quickly. Overly acidic maize lowers rumen pH, resulting in:

  • Reduced activity of rumen microbes and poorer digestion of fibre and lower milk production.

  • Increased risk of leaky gut, allowing toxins to enter the bloodstream.

  • Decrease in dry matter intake and weaker resistance.

How do you recognise a non-functioning rumen?

  • Undigested parts in manure: poor utilisation of ration.

  • Thin manure with mucus: possible rumen acidification and intestinal irritation.

  • Fluctuations in feed intake: Fluctuating feed intake indicates rumen problems.

Hepatic bowel syndrome: a silent culprit

Leaky gut syndrome occurs when the intestinal wall is damaged by chronic rumen acidosis, stress or lack of essential nutrients. This leads to inflammation and weakened immunity.

Consequences of a leaky gut:

  • erminated absorption of vitamins and minerals, crucial for strong immunity.

  • Inflammation in the body and increased energy consumption, less milk production.

  • Greater risk of claw problems and fertility disorders.

Image: lekkende darmsydroom

Practical tips to boost immunity and vaccination effectiveness

  1. Check manure for abnormalities: Use manure screens to detect undigested particles and slime.

  2. Optimise rumen health: Add yeasts, polyphenols and B vitamins to support stable rumen function.

  3. Prevent rumen acidification and leaky gut: Provide textured feed and beware of overly acidic maize

  4. Increase resistance before vaccination: Add additional trace elements and vitamins a few weeks before vaccination.

  5. Minimise stress: Ensure sufficient space at the feed fence and avoid overcrowding.

  6. Support claw health: Biotin and pain relief help improve feed intake and mobility.

Conclusion

Successful vaccination against bluetongue starts with strong resistance. This can only be achieved through a healthy rumen, a well-functioning gut, a balanced ration and stress reduction. Pay particular attention to rumen acidosis and leaky gut syndrome, as these directly affect immunity and vaccine effectiveness. By combining these concerns, you can not only improve protection against bluetongue, but also increase the overall health and productivity of your dairy cattle.

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