Relationship of Liver and Plasma Carotenoid and Vitamin A Content in Cattle as Affected by Location and Season

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Abstract
THE importance of vitamin A to various phases of the livestock industry has been reported by many research workers. Many pathological conditions of unknown origin have been attributed to a deficiency of vitamin A. Watkins et al. (1950) stated that a vitamin A deficiency will develop in range cows on typical Western ranges only in times of prolonged drought. However, Riggs (1940) working with young cattle on diets devoid of carotene and vitamin A, reported depletion of vitamin A stores in as little as 46 days. Davis and Madsen (1941) indicated that in cattle vitamin A deficiency could be diagnosed by a blood analysis, but Bodansky and Markart (1951) found measurable amounts of vitamin A in rat plasma, although the liver was entirely depleted. Although some specie differences exist, Almquist (1952) working with chicks, rats, lambs and cattle found that a logarithmic relationship existed between plasma and hepatic vitamin A. Copyright © . .