THE EFFICACY OF A SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION OF SOLUBLE VITAMIN-B-12 IN LAMBS

Aims. To assess the efficacy of a soluble Vitamin B-12 injection in la mbs by measuring changes in the serum and liver Vitamin B-12 concentra tions. Methods. Thirty-six lambs were injected subcutaneously with 2 m g of soluble Vitamin B-12 while another group of 36 served as untreate d controls. Blood and liver biopsy samples far Vitamin B-12 determinat ions were collected just before the injection and at days 1, 2, 5, 8, 16, 24, 30 and 45. Results. The serum Vitamin B-12 concentrations of t he Vitamin B-12 treated lambs increased rapidly compared to the untrea ted lambs. Concentrations peaked at day 2, decreased rapidly to day 8, and then decreased more slowly until day 24 when there were no longer differences between the groups. Liver Vitamin B-12 concentrations of the Vitamin B-12 treated lambs were significantly greater over days 8- 24. Conclusion. A subcutaneous injection of 2 mg of soluble Vitamin B- 12 was effective in increasing and maintaining the Vitamin B-12 status of lambs for about 24 days. Clinical significance. This Vitamin B-12 product is only effective for preventing cobalt deficiency in lambs fo r about 4 weeks.