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OVIShield OVIShield is sterile irradiated sheep serum to be used as an antibody supplement for newborn lambs less than 24 hours of age. The product is made from healthy sheep that are certified free of scrapies and other sheep diseases. These sheep are vaccinated against specific bacterial toxins that are known to cause illness and death in newborn lambs due to inadequate antibody intake from colostrum.Introduction Newborn lambs are born with inadequate antibody levels which leave them susceptible to organisms that present little or no threat to adult animals. Therefore, newborn lambs must receive "immunological assistance" in the form of passive immunity by means of antibody transferred from the mother through colostrum. Fifty percent (50%) of lambs that become ill in the first three weeks of life can be attributed to inadequate antibody intake from colostrum. Potential reasons for inadequate antibody intake can include:
How is the OVIShield product made? OVIShield uses healthy sheep that are certified free of scrapies and other sheep diseases and vaccinates them multiple times against specific toxins that are produced by major bacteria that cause scours and pneumonia. Sheep develop high levels of specific antibodies titers to these toxins. Whole blood is collected at 21 day intervals when the antibodies are at their highest levels. The serum, which contains the protective antibodies, is harvested, sterile filtered, bottled, labeled, and irradiated to ensure product quality. Is the OVIShield product effective? A recent study (published in Sheep and Goat Research Journal, 2010) demonstrated newborn lambs that received antibody supplement orally or subcutaneous injection remain just as healthy as those newborn lambs that received pooled ewe's colostrum during the 28 day trial period. Control lambs, that did not receive any passive antibody supplement or colostrum, were not as healthy and came down with illnesses associated with the lack of passive immunity.
How is the OVIShield product used? This antibody supplement is for newborn lambs less than 24 hours of age. It should be used as an oral dose by mixing 10-20 ml of the antibody supplement with the ewe's colostrum or milk (or commercial colostrum supplements/lamb milk replacer) and then fed with a bottle or stomach tuber. The antibody supplement should be used in conjunction with flock colostrum if available, which will contain antibodies against pathogens found within the flock. These pathogen types will also vary from flock to flock. The use of OVIShield as a subcutaneous injectable for lambs greater than 24 hours of age has been evaluated with success and further studies are being conducted to support the injectable claim. The use of this product as an injectable must be used under the supervision of the flock veterinarian. Questions regarding the use of the antibody supplement as an injectable can be directed from your flock veterinarian to the veterinarian staff at Pipestone Veterinary Clinic 1-800- 658-2523 or www.pipevet.com. The antibody supplement must be stored at a refrigerated temperature (4°C to 8°C) and can be held at this temperature range up to one year. Longer term storage can be achieved by freezing the product; however repeated thawing and freezing should be avoided as this will reduce the antibody's activity. What if I have further questions regarding the use of the OVIShield product? If you have further question regarding the use of the OVIShield product please contact the veterinarian staff at Pipestone Veterinary Clinic 1-800-658-2523 or www.pipevet.com. |
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Ovis is a USDA-licensed research facility under the Animal Welfare Act. ©2005- Ovis. All Rights Reserved. |
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