The Therapeutic Effect of Yeast and Pyridoxine on Poikilocytosis in Dairy Cattle

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Abstract
Young calves on semi-restricted rations and cows with large open fistulas of the rumen were found to be the dairy animals most commonly affected with poikilocytosis. Dry brewers' yeast, live yeast, or pyridoxine were effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of this condition, whereas the ingestion of nicotinic acid, riboflavin or a mineral mixture containing iron, copper, cobalt and manganese did not elicit any curative effects on the disease. The occurrence and the degree of severity of poikilocytosis were independent of the hemoglobin content, red blood cell count, red blood cell volume and the plasma concentration of calcium, inorganic phosphorus and magnesium. As a result of this investigation the hypothesis is offered that the primary defect responsible for the occurrence of poikilocytosis in dairy animals is due to a lack of or an interference with normal ruminal activity.