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

Authors: Grace ND, West DM
Publication: New Zealand Veterinary Journal, Volume 48, Issue 3, pp 70-73, Jun 2000
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Animal type: Cattle, Livestock, Production animal, Ruminant
Subject Terms: Animal remedies/veterinary medicines, Clinical pathology, Diagnostic procedures, Cobalt/vitamin B12, Trace elements, Treatment/therapy, Toxicology, Vitamins
Article class: Scientific Article

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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.

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