Header for print stylesheet
You are here:    

Ruminants: Folic Acid
Deficiency

Folic acid deficiency has been produced experimentally in many animal species; macrocytic anemia (megaloblastic anemia) and leukopenia (a reduced number of white blood cells) are consistent findings. Tissues that have a rapid rate of cell growth regeneration, such as the epithelial lining of the gastrointestinal tract, epidermis and bone marrow, are principally affected (Hoffbrand, 1978).

A folic acid deficiency has not been demonstrated in the calf, but Drapper and Johnson (1952) reported a deficiency in lambs fed synthetic diets. The disease was characterized by leukopenia, followed by diarrhea, pneumonia and death. Folic acid therapy promoted regeneration of white cells, and 0.39 mg per liter of diet prevented the deficiency ( Illus. 1).

 
Illustration 1

The efficiency of folic acid synthesis by rumen microflora, and whether this is adequate at weaning and later, have not yet been established. For example, in an experiment in which supplemental folic acid was administered to dairy heifers intramuscularly weekly during the first four months of life, average daily gain increased by 8% during the five weeks following weaning (Dumoulin et al., 1991). This supplementation also increased serum and hepatic folates, as well as blood hemoglobin and packed cell volume. These results suggest that marginal folic acid deficiency may develop in calves or lambs during the postweaning period, until full rumen function is achieved.

 
references

view references

footer for print stylesheet