Abstract
Steers fed on a diet low in cobalt and copper developed cobalt deficiency in 6 to 10 months but failed to develop a copper deficiency although maintained for 19 months on a diet containing only 3 p.p.m. copper in the dry matter. It is suggested that the treatment of the cobalt deficiency condition with injected vitamin B12 or oral cobalt sulphate was a factor in preventing the development of a copper deficiency. The effect of the low dietary cobalt was first evident at a concentration of 0.044 to 0.049 mg/kg dry matter which is somewhat higher than some previously suggested acceptable minimum levels. Of various parameters monitored, loss of appetite and plasma glucose concentration were the best indicators of a developing cobalt deficient condition although plasma alkaline phosphatase was also useful on an individual basis.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 414-426 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Journal | British Veterinary Journal |
Volume | 129 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Print publication - 1 Jan 1973 |