Pantothenic acid is not normally required in the diet of adult ruminants, because ruminal microorganisms synthesize this vitamin in adequate amounts. Pantothenic acid deficiency has been produced experimentally (Johnson et al., 1947; Sheppard and Johnson, 1957; Roy, 1980). Major clinical signs include anorexia, reduced growth, weakness of legs, rough hair coat, dermatitis, diarrhea and eventual death. The most characteristic pantothenic acid deficiency sign in the calf is scaly dermatitis around the eyes (spectacle eye) and muzzle. Anorexia and diarrhea follow after 11 to 20 weeks on a deficient diet. Calves become weak and unable to stand and may develop convulsions. They are susceptible to mucosal infection, especially in the respiratory tract. Postmortem studies have shown moderate sciatic and peripheral nerve demyelination. There is some edema in muscular tissue. When deficient calves received calcium pantothenate, they responded with increased appetite and weight gains and subsequent reversal of dermatitis and other symptoms.
