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.