On the application of serum vitamin B12 radio-assay to the diagnosis of cobalt deficiency in sheep

Authors: Sutherland RJ
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 28, Issue 8, pp 169-170, Aug 1980
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant, Sheep
Subject Terms: Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures, Cobalt/vitamin B12, Trace elements, Diet/rations/food, Nutrition/metabolism, Vitamins
Article class: Correspondence

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Abstract: The recent publication of hepatic vitamin B₁₂ radio-assay by Millar and Penrose is a valuable technical contribution towards the definition of vitamin B₁₂ reserve and the diagnosis of disease states resulting from cobalt deficiency in ruminants. However, their contention that serum vitamin B₁₂ radio-assay is an unreliable indicator of the cobalt status of sheep cannot go unchallenged. In many situations serum vitamin B₁₂ levels, correctly interpreted, are of equal or more use than hepatic levels, and both tests have a place in the definition of ovine cobalt and vitamin B₁₂ status. The essential difference between the two is that serum vitamin B₁₂ levels are a sensitive index of the dietary intake of cobalt while liver levels indicate vitamin B₁₂ reserve, and respond relatively slowly to changes in cobalt intake. The indications for the use of serum vitamin B₁₂ assay in sheep are:…

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