Studies on hypovitaminosis A in frezian calves with special reference to some hematological and biochemical alterations

ABSTRACT

A nutritional deficiency problem was born in growing calves feeding on rice straw and commercial concentrate mixture [Tanta Company for oil and Soap] during winter season, in which clinical signs of lacrimation, thickness, cloudness and opacity of cornea, appearance of bran-like scales on rough dry skin, coughing, diarrhea, incoordination, stunted growth and inability of vision in dim light, were observed and attributed to vitamin A deficiency. Haematological and biochemical studies on affected animals revealed nonsignificant changes of haemoglobin content, haematocrit percentage, erythrocytic and leucocytic counts, as well as serum total protein, albumin and globulin. Although serum levels of vitamin A, sodium, chloride and glucose were significantly decreased, on the other hand, serum urea nitrogen, creatinin, potassium and serum transaminases were significantly increased. Disappearance of clinical signs as well as corrections of the different haematological and biochemical alterations were observed following therapeutic administration of vitamin A. It could be concluded that, the addition of vitamin A or green food is recommended for growing calves fed on rice straw and commercial concentrate mixture during winter to avoid vitamin A deficiency as well as hepatic and renal dysfunction and general health disturbances