Effect of an injectable microencapsulated Vitamin B12 on serum and liver Vitamin B12 concentrations in calves

ISSN： 1176-0710

Source： New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Vol.48, Iss.3, 2000-06, pp. : 70-73

Disclaimer: Any content in publications that violate the sovereignty, the constitution or regulations of the PRC is not accepted or approved by CNPIEC.

Previous Menu Next

Abstract

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of a long-acting injectable microencapsulated formulation of Vitamin B₁₂ in dairy calves.Method: Fifty calves, average liveweight 110kg, were randomly allocated to 5 groups of 10 animals and injected subcutaneously in the anterior neck with 0.12, 0.18, 0.24 and 0.3 mg Vitamin B₁₂/kg liveweight using a formulation of microencapsulated Vitamin B₁₂ in a lactide: glycolide copolymer. The untreated calves were injected with the same vehicle, without Vitamin B₁₂. Subsequent changes in serum and liver Vitamin B₁₂ concentrations were followed for 244 days.RESULTS: The microencapsulated Vitamin B₁₂ significantly increased, then maintained serum and liver Vitamin B₁₂ concentrations higher than those of untreated controls for at least 110 days.CONCLUSIONS: Injection of the microencapsulated Vitamin B₁₂ at dose rates of 0.12 to 0.24 mg/kg liveweight will increase and maintain the Vitamin B₁₂ status of calves for at least 110 days.KEY WORDS: Calves, Vitamin B₁₂, serum, liver, long-acting injection.