Some Biochemical Constituents in Urine of Vitamin A-Deficient Holstein Calves

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Abstract
Thirty 2-month old Holstein calves were fed a vitamin A depletion ration supplemented with artificially dehydrated alfalfa leaf meal to provide a deficient or adequate carotene intake. Cerebrospinal fluid pressure was higher in the deficient group accompanied by lower vitamin A concentrations in the plasma and liver. Specific gravity, osmolality and total solids of urine were significantly lower in the calves receiving the deficient intake. To further study urine composition, repeat collections were made with 5 pairs of calves. In deficient calves, average osmolality was again less as well as concentrations and total daily outputs of sodium and chloride. Potassium was unaffected, but concentrations and total daily outputs of phosphorus were greater. Kidney calcium concentrations were slightly higher.