Hypovitaminosis A in extensively grazed beef cattle

Parker, E.M., Gardiner, C.P., Kessell, A.E., and Parker, A.J. (2017) Hypovitaminosis A in extensively grazed beef cattle. Australian Veterinary Journal, 95 (3). pp. 80-84.

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Abstract

Vitamin A deficiency was diagnosed in a herd of 97 19-month-old Braford heifers in the Mitchell Grass Downs (Astrebla spp.) bioregion of Hughenden in north-western Queensland during November 2015. Two heifers died after a 48-h history of sternal recumbency and of the 19 that had neurological signs, 7 were blind. Histological changes in the optic nerves of the two necropsied cattle were consistent with vitamin A deficiency. This diagnosis was supported by vitamin A concentrations in fresh liver samples of 5 and 6 mg/kg wet tissue (reference range, 100–175 mg/kg) despite treatment of the cattle with twice the recommended dose of parenteral vitamin A 3 weeks prior to sampling. Rainfall on the property during the 2 years before the outbreak was less than the annual rainfall average of 464 mm, with a total of 281 mm in 2014 and 117 mm from January to November in 2015, most of this falling in January.

Item ID: 47515
Item Type: Article (Research - C1)
ISSN: 1751-0813
Keywords: cattle medicine, nutritional disease, ruminant nutrition, vitamin A deficiency
Date Deposited: 08 Mar 2017 23:42
FoR Codes: 30 AGRICULTURAL, VETERINARY AND FOOD SCIENCES > 3009 Veterinary sciences > 300904 Veterinary diagnosis and diagnostics @ 100%
SEO Codes: 83 ANIMAL PRODUCTION AND ANIMAL PRIMARY PRODUCTS > 8303 Livestock Raising > 830301 Beef Cattle @ 100%
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