Abstract

All ruminants require Cobalt (Co) in their diet for synthesis of vitamin B12. Cobalt, a trace mineral, which is utilized by gram negative anaerobic rumen microbes to synthesize vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis, for synthesis of plasma cells (antibody production) from B cells in the immune system, for production of red blood cells (RBC), and for normal nervous system function. This trial showed that RBC, packed cell volume, and hemoglobin were increased post treatment in this group of beef calves with a single injectable Co injection. This study used different dosages of a single subcutaneous injection of Co (cobalt) 25, 50, 75, 150, and 200mg/500lbs. To evaluate if Co would improve RBC, Hg (Hemoglobin), and PVC (Packed Cell Volume) in weaned beef calves. Of the different dosages used in this trial results showed that 75mg/500lbs. To be the most effective P<0.051. This study suggests that an injectable Co product could be used to increase RBC parameters in stressed beef calves and could be used as a treatment for anemia and support treatment for Anaplasmosis and other similar anemic problems in beef cattle.

Keywords:Cobalt (Co); Weaned beef calves; subcutaneous injectable cobalt; RBC parameters