An evaluation of the efficacy of injectable microencapsulated vitamin B12 in increasing and maintaining the serum and liver vitamin B12 concentrations of lambs.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a long-acting Vitamin B12 injection to prevent Co deficiency in sheep.


METHODS
Formulations of microencapsulated Vitamin B12 in lactide-glycolide polymers were injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously into the anterior neck region of groups of 10 lambs and their efficacy determined from changes in serum and liver Vitamin B12 concentrations.


RESULTS
The 95:5 lactide glycolide and the 100 lactide formulations containing more than 12.5% Vitamin B12 w/w significantly increased and maintained serum Vitamin B12 concentrations for at least 210 days as well as liver Vitamin B12 concentrations in treated lambs when compared with untreated controls.


CONCLUSIONS
Injections of microencapsulated Vitamin B12 in lactide/glycolide copolymers are able to increase and maintain the Vitamin B12 status of lambs for at least 210 days.


CONCLUSIONS
Another option for the prevention of Co deficiency in sheep is now available using a long acting injectable Vitamin B12.
Grace
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ND
Division of Dairy and Beef, AgResearch Grasslands, Private Bag 11008, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
Lewis
D H
DH