Effect of cobalt supplementation on serum vitamin B₁₂ levels, weight gain and survival rate in lambs grazing cobalt‐deficient pastures

Summary

The effect of cobalt supplementation on serum vitamin B₁₂, growth rate and survival rate was measured in controlled field experiments with Texel twin lambs of the same sex, grazing cobalt‐deficient pastures.

The non‐supplemented lambs had lower serum vitamin B₁₂ concentrations than their supplemented brothers or sisters. During the experiments more lambs died in the non‐supplemented than in the supplemented group. At the end of the experiments supplemented lambs weighed (mean live weight) 7.2, 9.5, and 11.0 kg more than non‐supplemented lambs in 1991, 1992, and 1993, respectively.

Sex‐related differences in weight gain and survival rate were observed.

Notes

Animal Health Service in the Northern Netherlands, P.O. Box 361, 9200 AJ Drachten, the Netherlands.

Corresponding author. Mailing address: Animal Health Service in the Northern Netherlands, P.O. Box 361, 9200 AJ Drachten, the Netherlands. Phone: [phone]. Fax: [phone].

Department of Herd Health and Reproduction. Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, P.O Box 80151, 3508 TD Utrecht, the Netherlands

Additional information

Notes on contributors

P. Vellema

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