HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Schuh, J. D. Articles by Gallup, W. D. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Schuh, J. D. Articles by Gallup, W. D.

Utilization of Intravenously Administered Carotene by Dairy Calves¹

Departments of Dairying and Biochemistry, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater

ABSTRACT

Due to the inconsistent results of experiments with cattle on the utilization of intravenously injected carotene, 12 male dairy calves were fed a low-carotene diet until their plasma vitamin A level was less than 5 per 100 ml., or until outward changes of avitaminosis A were established. Nine of these calves were given intravenously carotene suspended in an aqueous solution of Tween 40 at rates from 1 to 24 mg. per 100 lb. of live weight for periods up to 68 days. Utilization of the injected carotene was indicated by reversal or lowered incidence of vitamin A deficiency changes, such as nyctalopia, diarrhea, and muscular incoordination. Several calves receiving the carotene injections were maintained on the basal ration for periods from 180 to 336 days. In contrast, uninjected calves died within about 100 days. Following injections, there was a marked increase in plasma carotene with moderate but irregular increases in plasma vitamin A. Bile of injected calves exhibited an orange color, whereas uninjected calves' bile had a characteristic green color. Bile from the former calves did not prevent avitaminosis A when fed to rats.

¹ Published with the approval of the Director, Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station, Stillwater.

² Present address: Department of Animal Husbandry, University of California, Davis.