Vitamin Deficiencies

Part 3 of a 3 Part Series
In the last two articles I have discussed deficiencies from both Micro and Macro Minerals. In this article I will focus on common signs of Vitamin deficiencies surrounding both cows and calves. Vitamins are essential in adequate amounts to enable animals to efficiently utilize other nutrients.

Vitamin A deficiencies can be seen in cattle that have reduced feed intake, rough hair coats, slow growth, seizures, blindness, improper bone growth, low conception rates, abortion, stillbirths, calves born blind, and poor semen quality. Vitamin D deficiency is most clearly defined by seeing incidents of calves having rickets. Rickets are caused by the failure of bone to assimilate and use Calcium and Phosphorus normally. Other signs are swollen and stiff joints, born dead calves, weak and deformed calves, decreased appetite, reduced growth rates, digestive disturbances, and general weakness. Vitamin E deficiency has similar characteristics to White Muscle Disease, which can include, muscular dystrophy, weak leg muscles, crossover or narrow walking, poor ability to nurse caused by dystrophy of tongue muscles.

Ensuring that your cattle have an adequate supply of Macro and Micro Minerals as well as proper Vitamin levels is one way you can ensure profitability in your cowherd. The last three articles have looked at different ways to recognize common deficiencies in both cows and calves. Understanding these deficiencies and making sure that your cows are on a balanced mineral program will help you in the years to come. McRae Holdings is dedicated to helping you be profitable with your cowherd by ensuring they have a balanced mineral program. Right Now Mineral is a well-balanced program that provides the required levels of all Macro and Micro minerals and Vitamins that your cows need. Be sure to visit them today to get your cowherd the nutrition they need.

Jarrett Lees
Cargill Animal Nutrition