Influence of Antioxidants and Vitamin A in Sheep Production

Influence of Antioxidants and Vitamin A in Sheep Production

Efficient nutrition in sheep is crucial for the success of meat, milk, and wool production. Among the various factors that impact this process, there arises the need to utilize tools for its optimization.

When this occurs in the body, cells are directly harmed, for example, through DNA fragmentation and loss of plasma membrane integrity.

These damages have been related to low productive performance.

As this oxidative stress can compromise cell integrity, the use of tools that can act as a protective shield, reducing cellular damage and maintaining metabolic viability, is essential.

This also influences reproductive quality, as it provides greater protection and seminal durability. In this context, antioxidants emerge as key elements in promoting fertility and maintaining reproductive quality in sheep.

Antioxidants are substances that have the ability to protect cells against the effects of free radicals produced by the body. They can also promote increased immunity and disease prevention.

Including this substance in the diet prevents the oxidation of oils and vitamins, ensures the intake of safe food, aids in maintaining intestinal health, and consequently, allows [register]the animal to express its full genetic potential, making the most of the favorable conditions to which it is exposed.

Good nutrition for sheep impacts the productive performance of the animals, such as rapid weight gain and meat quality. In addition to minerals, sheep require essential vitamins for proper body function. Otherwise, serious health problems may arise in the herd.

It aids in the production of visual pigments and the metabolism of light-receptive cells in the retina, which is directly linked to photoperiod and reproduction in female sheep.

It contributes to spermatogenesis, helps maintain skeletal tissue, and contributes to bone development.

Vitamin A deficiency can be observed in lambs born to ewes deficient in this nutrient, as they are born with reduced vitamin reserves, depending solely on the supply of colostrum and maternal milk, which is the only source of vitamin A early in life.

When this occurs, clinical signs such as diarrhea, nasal discharge, excessive tearing, and even motor coordination issues are common.

Vitamin A is not synthesized by the rumen, nor is it freely available in plant foods. However, β-carotene is present in forage, one of the most important precursors of vitamin A. Green leaves are considered important sources of β-carotene for ruminants.

Its potential transformative value is quite significant, as ruminants have an average conversion capacity of 24% (1 mg of β-carotene is equivalent to 400 IU of vitamin A).

Studies indicate that adequate supplementation of this vitamin can improve seminal quality in sheep. This directly impacts the viability of frozen semen, which requires greater protective support.

Vitamin A strengthens the reproductive immune system in general, also increasing resistance against uterine infections, which is crucial to ensure a successful gestation and a postpartum period with the lowest incidence of complications such as retained placenta.

Additionally, it also protects udder health, reducing the incidence of mastitis and increasing the recovery rate of affected animals.

During the rainy season, with warm weather, forages have good β-carotene quality.

However, in the dry season, the situation is reversed, and the animal ends up using its vitamin A reserves from liver tissue.

Thus, it is essential to supplement the diet to maintain healthy levels for metabolism.

Foods rich in vitamin A, such as fresh pastures, can be combined with specific supplements. In confined animals, vitamin A is not stored in appreciable amounts in the body due to the fact that animals have high quantities of concentrated and preserved foods in their diet, which are poor in this substance.

The recommended dosage varies according to the reproductive phase and individual conditions of the herd.

Firstly, it is necessary to offer the highest quality forage possible to the animals so that tocopherol absorption is sufficient.

In male breeders, the following signs can be seen:

• Decreased sexual activity
• Low sperm motility
• Inhibition of spermatogenesis
• Testicular atrophy
•Decline in steroidogenesis

In summary, vitamin A plays a significant role in the reproductive health of sheep. Producers can reap the benefits of this vitamin by incorporating nutritional strategies that ensure optimal tocopherol levels in the herd.

With a balanced approach focused on reproductive health, vitamin A proves to be a valuable ally in sheep production.