Advantages of Garlicon for ruminants

Ruminants

Saliva plays a fundamental role in the digestive process of ruminants, as its alkaline salt content helps to buffer the low pH levels that occur in the rumen as a result of fermentation. The stimulation of its secretion by aromas added to the feed allows the optimal functioning of the rumen.

Garlicon increases salivation, raises the pH of the rumen and prevents the onset of acidosis in ruminants.

After chewing, the solid portion goes to the rumen, where fermentation and breakdown of the plant cell walls takes place. This process produces volatile fatty acids that are used by the animal for energy.

Reduces rumen acidification

Concentrated rations promote the accumulation of acids that lower the pH in the rumen, altering fermentation and normal digestion. In addition, a low ruminal pH causes inflammation and diarrhea, making the situation worse. Therefore, maintaining a pH above 6.2 is critical.

Fig. 1. A study conducted on lambs showed that animals given Garlicon in their drinking water improved their ruminal pH. (Anassori et al., 2017).

Reduce methane production

In addition to being the most relevant greenhouse gas, methane emissions are associated with a loss of efficiency in the energetic use of food. Garlicon modulates the ruminal microbiota, causing changes in microbial diversity that affect methane-producing microorganisms, leading to a reduction in methane emissions.

Fig. 2. Reduced methane production in ruminal fermenters where organosulfur compounds present in Garlicon were added. (Martínez-Fernández G. et al., 2015).

Improved productivity

Focusing efforts to obtain optimal digestion is essential, as it allows animals to efficiently use the nutrients in the food.

Garlicon contributes to a structural improvement of the intestinal mucosa, reducing inflammation and modulating microbiota. At the same time, it stimulates digestive secretions, thus allowing a better use of nutrients that helps the animal to reach its maximum growth potential.

Fig. 3. Lambs that received Garlicon in drinking water for 12 weeks, achieved higher growth rates (Anassori et al., 2017).

Provides resistance to infectious processes

Garlicon helps improve the integrity of the intestinal mucosa by enhancing the animal’s natural protection against infectious processes caused by coccidia and other parasites. This helps to prevent associated symptoms such as diarrhea, poor food absorption and weight loss.

A healthy intestinal mucosa helps prevent infectious processes caused by pathogenic bacteria and intestinal parasites such as coccidia and cryptosporidia.

Reduces somatic cell count in milk

In dairy cattle, one of the main benefits of Garlicon is related to its immunomodulatory action in the udder, preventing obstruction due to inflammation of the milk duct and reducing the somatic cell count in milk.

Fig. 4. Somatic cell count in dairy cows on 5 consecutive days and 15 days after administration of a ruminal bolus containing Garlicon. In animals with subclinical mastitis, the somatic cell count was reduced to a level similar to that of healthy animals. In addition, animals with high somatic cell counts were reduced by almost half.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Garlicon contribute to optimal udder conditions, reducing somatic cells and making milk production profitable.