The importance and application of vitamin K in domestic animals

The effects of vitamins K-1, K-2 und K-3 are described. Vitamin K-3 is conv erted by the microflora of the gastro-intestinal tract, to Vitamin K-2 (men achiones). Vitamin K-1 is administered in cases of vitamin K deficiency, an d intoxication by dicoumarol or by rodenticides. Vitamin K-1 and menachinon es are components of the gammaglutamate-carboxylase pathway which converts glutamate components in proteins to carboxy-glutamate (Gla). The clotting f actors II, VII, IX and X, two anticoagulative active proteins (C and S) and osteocalcin, belong to the Gla-containing class of proteins. The provision of domestic animals with K-vitamins and the reasons for a deficiency are d iscussed.