Association Between Cerebrospinal Fluid Pressure and Plasma Vitamin A Concentration of Holstein Calves Fed Fixed Intakes of Carotene

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Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure of normal cattle up to 2 years of age has been reported to average 105 mm of physiological saline (0.85% NaCl) and unaffected by the age of the animal. In cattle fed low intakes of carotene, elevated CSF pressures have been observed as the first sign of vitamin A deficiency. Also, plasma vitamin A concentration of cattle fed fixed carotene intakes has been found to be correlated with carotene intake. Data from 91 Holstein male calves were obtained at the termination of feeding fixed carotene intakes between 10 and 240 gamma per pound of live weight per day for periods of either 12, 16 or 24 weeks. Plasma vitamin A concnetrations ranged between 3.4 and 32.0 gamma/100 ml, CSF pressures between 40 and 455 mm of saline. Above plasma vitamin A concentrations of 15.6 gamma/100 ml, CSF pressure was maintained at an average level of 71 mm saline. Below the 15.6 gamma concentration the average CSF pressure increased approximately 10% for each 1.0 gamma decrease in plasma vitamin A concentration.