Treatment with vitamins A, D and E did not reduce weight loss in transported cattle.
Two field trials using an injectable vitamin A, D and E solution conducted in the pastoral environment of northern Australia are described. It was found that treatment of lighter (< 150 kg) or heavier (> 372 kg) weight cattle did not reduce weight loss during road transport. These findings contradict anecdotal evidence of reduced weight loss during transport with the use of vitamins A, D and E. The lack of scientific basis for their use is discussed.
Jubb
T F
TF
Department of Agriculture, Kununurra, Western Australia.
Pinch
D S
DS
Petty
S R
SR
D000818:Animals; D001315:Australia; D001835:Body Weight; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D014186:Transportation; D014801:Vitamin A / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014815:Vitamins / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015431:Weight Loss
D014815:Vitamins; D014801:Vitamin A; D014807:Vitamin D; D014810:Vitamin E