Use of homeopathic product to prevent ketosis in the dairy sheep during the transition period

Abstract

Pregnancy toxemia is a severe problem in sheep in the transition period, which is most likely related to feeding. There is a need to seek alternatives to this problem, and the homeopathic industry has invested in products for this purpose. The product (Figotonus®) tested in this work was added to the diet of dairy sheep at different dosages (1, 5, and 10 g/day/animal) to verify the effects on animal health indicators, focusing mainly on the reduction of cases of ketosis. In all, 32 Lacaune ewes were used, with confirmed pregnancy presenting two to six births during their lifetime. The following blood biochemical indicators—total proteins (PT), albumin (ALB), triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (COL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), and s-ketone—were measured. The volume of milk produced was measured, as well as the milk composition (protein, fat, lactose, fat-free dry matter, density, total solids, and minerals). As a result, we found significant differences in the s-ketone, ALT, and GGT in day 3 prepartum and day 3 postpartum. We highlight the lower s-ketone levels in the homeopathic-treated animals, as well as reduced ALT and GGT enzyme activity in the treated sheep. Milk production did not differ between groups, nor did milk composition, except for mineral levels in milk (higher levels in treated animals). The commercial product tested had a beneficial effect on health indicators of dairy sheep in the transition period, preventing ketone bodies to increase in the sheep.