Vitamin B₁₂ Supplementation to Mink (Mustela vison) in the Prevention of Feed-Induced Iron Deficiency Anaemia: I. Effect on Growth Performance and Fur Quality Characteristics

Abstract

Vitamin B₁₂ supplementation in the prevention of feed-induced iron deficiency anaemia was evaluated with six treatment groups of mink kits, comprising a control group and five groups fed an anaemiogenic diet either unsupplemented, supplemented with vitamin B₁₂ orally, or by intramuscular injection, with iron therapy by ferrous fumarate and cysteine, and iron therapy plus vitamin B₁₂ orally. Unsupplemented animals showed symptoms of anaemia including poor growth performance, achromotrichia and poor fur quality. Oral vitamin B₁₂ supplementation, but not injections, had some effect in preventing anaemia, indicating an influence on intestinal iron absorption. Iron therapy completely prevented the occurrence of anaemia, and simultaneous addition of vitamin B₁₂ had no further positive effect.

Key Words:

• anaemiogenic diet
• iron absorption
• weight gain
• underfur depigmentation