determine leaky gut. “In the case of species with one stomach (pigs, poultry and people) more research has been done into the gut’s influence on overall health. For ruminants however, the rumen is seen as the most important area where disruptions could take place,” says Koopmans. This is partly because the intestine in cattle is difficult to isolate. Research is therefore complicated and expensive. “In about 5 to 10 years, we will hopefully know a lot more”. Royal GD Animal Health, the Dutch animal health service, cannot take away these uncertainties about leaky gut yet. “In the discussion that emerged in the past year, it is said that leaky gut is an isolated syndrome that may be a central cause of many complications in dairy cattle. In GD’s opinion, no scientific evidence for this statement has been found. At this moment, GD follows the scientific developments, but does not conduct its own active research into leaky gut” says Koopman.


American research The American researcher Lance Baumgard gave several lectures about leaky gut some time ago. He did this on the invitation of Zinpro, among others. The company produces Availa-Zn, which is zinc bound to amino acids. “This zinc


compound strengthens the intestinal wall and ensures a better immune system,” says Jan van der Meer from Zinpro. Baumgard, who is a professor of animal science at Iowa State University, has no doubts, who says “heat stress and ketosis have one thing in common: leaky gut”. The consequences of leaky gut syndrome he mentions are for example production decrease, udder and claw problems.


Role of farmer and feed According to feed suppliers, dairy farmers themselves can do much more to prevent rumen and gut problems. It is impor- tant to provide a balanced and well-mixed ration that can be eaten regularly during the day. It is important that the ‘calculat- ed ration’ is actually fed and eaten. “Feeding too much resistant starch is not beneficial,” adds Koopmans. “Recently harvested silage maize for example contains a lot of resistant starch which can easily lead to acidosis. When the feed supply is very dry, chances are the animals pick out the concentrated parts out of the feed. By adding in some water for example, this can be prevented. Try to give the same ration every day or if you need to, implement changes in the feed very slowly. Cows are very resilient, which amazes me time and time again. Howev- er, they do need a regular and good supply of feed”.


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▶ GUT HEALTH | DECEMBER 2020


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