Vitamin A in Cow-Calf Production: Impacts of Maternal Supplementation and Status on Offspring

Authors

Hannah F. Speer, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Harvey C. Freetly, University of Nebraska, LincolnFollow
Karla H. Jenkins, University of Nebraska, LincolnFollow
Mary E. Drewnoski, University of Nebraska, LincolnFollow

Date of this Version

2024

Citation

2024 Nebraska Beef Cattle Report

UNL Beef, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Abstract

The young calf is at greatest risk of vitamin A deficiency when cow vitamin intake is low in late pregnancy. Two studies were conducted to evaluate the relationship between cow and calf vitamin A status and how vitamin A status of cow-calf pairs was influence by maternal vitamin A supplementation. In general, calves did not have adequate liver vitamin A concentrations despite cows having adequate liver vitamin A stores following calving. Both cow iver stores and cow vitamin A intake during late gestation influence the amount of vitamin A in colostrum, so it benefits the calf if the cow has both adequate liver vitamin A stores and receives adequate supplemental vitamin A in late gestation. Current supplemental vitamin A recommendations provided to cows fed stored feeds for a year or more do not result in adequate beef cow or calf liver vitamin A concentrations. USDA is an equal opportunity employer and provider.