[Rachel]

Effects of low concentrations of dietary cobalt on liveweight gains, haematology, serum vitamin B12 and biochemistry of Omani goats

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1090023305002583

“In contrast to the treated goats, the control animals of all breeds experienced a severe decrease in their serum vitamin B12 levels, developed pale mucous membranes, appeared scruffy and two breeds (D and B) had significantly lower weight gains from month 5. Untreated kids of all breeds had significant decreases in their red blood cell counts and erythrocyte indices after approximately four months. Controls developed low total serum protein levels whilst activities of alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase significantly increased. Although it is widely assumed that goats are more resistant to cobalt deficiency than sheep this is apparently not true for Omani goats. Based on experimental data from previously reported studies and those from the present study it can be concluded that the reduction in weight gains in D and B goats is related to their lower digestibility coefficients for dry matter, crude protein and energy while the increase in alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase are associated with developing hepatic lipidosis.”