TECHNICAL INFORMATION UPDATE

Do you know the real benefits of B12 in Glanvac B12?Why treat your animals with B12 separately when it is conveniently provided in the ease of one vaccination: Glanvac 6 B12

1. The facts about Vitamin B12

• Vitamin B12 is synthesised by micro-organisms in the rumen, from dietary cobalt.

• Vitamin B12 is an essential component of a number of enzymes which are involved in normal metabolism.

• A deficiency of dietary cobalt impairs energy and protein metabolism which leads to poor growth rates, and disease in severe cases.

• Factors influencing cobalt levels are the soil type, pasture type, season and class of sheep.

• Vitamin B12 supplementation of growing sheep grazing on cobalt deficient pasture has been shown to increase growth rates1.

2. The facts about Glanvac B12

• A study2 found that a 1mg dose of Vitamin B12 (half of the Glanvac B12 dose) was adequate to supplement lambs from marking to weaning, on marginally cobalt deficient pasture. A single injection of Glanvac B12 provided adequate B12 status for 12 weeks in weaner (4 month old) sheep at risk of marginal vitamin B12 deficiency3.

• There is likely to be a shorter duration of activity in more severely deficient sheep (research shows 4-8 weeks), as they metabolise the vitamin B12 more quickly3.

3. Glanvac B12 versus Glanvac plus vitamin B12 injection

• A trial3 was conducted in South Australia to determine the bioavailability of B12 in Glanvac compared to the B12 administered in a separate injection at the same time as Glanvac. Plasma and liver concentrations of vitamin B12 were measured in wethers that were either injected with Glanvac B12, Glanvac plus a separate B12 injection (1.8mg hydroxocobalamin and 0.2mg cyanocobalamin), or Glanvac alone.

Effectiveness of Vitamin B12 in Glanvac® B12

The above graph shows the plasma concentrations of vitamin B12 in the three study groups

Although the separate injections show a lower response on the graph there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between the plasma concentration of B12 after using Glanvac B12 or Glanvac plus a separate B12 injection. The results of liver B12 assays were similar.

The results of this study comprehensively prove that the concentration of vitamin B12 available to the sheep is the same when Glanvac B12 is used compared to Glanvac plus a separate vitamin B12 injection.

• Glanvac B12 provides the additional benefit of B12 supplementation plus vaccination in the same 1mL dose.

• The result is a reduction in time and labour costs when using this product.

• Reduces the potential for site reactions due to a higher number of injections per animal.

References: 1. Judson G, Babidge P. Vitamin B12 injection for preventing cobalt deficiency in lambs. Aus Vet J (2002) 80 (12) 777-778. 2. Hannam R, Judson G, Reuter D, McLaren L, McLaren J. Effect of vitamin B12 injections on the growth rate of young Merino sheep. Aus J Agric Res (1980) 31: 347-355. 3. Grace ND, West DM, Sargison ND. The efficacy of a subcutaneous injection of soluble Vitamin B12 in lambs. N Z Vet J (1998) 46: 194-196. 4. Judson G. Evaluation of Glanvac B12 in sheep at pasture. SARDI (1999).

For further advice, please contact Zoetis on 1800 814 883.

Zoetis Australia Pty Ltd. ABN 94 156 476 425. 38-42 Wharf Road, West Ryde NSW 2114. Phone 1800 814 883. BLUE1248 06/13

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Glanvac B12 Glanvac + Vit B12 Glanvac