Synonyms

No known synonym

Name of the disease in English

Cobalt deficiency

The disease in brief

Cobalt deficiency in the diet causes a vitamin B12 deficiency, which is no longer synthesized in sufficient quantities by the ruminal microbiota. Vitamin B12 deficiency results in a loss of appetite and a decrease in production (growth arrest, decrease in milk production) and mild to moderate anemia.

Fodder deficiency is often linked to soil deficiency; in France, for example, sandy soils are frequently deficient.

Clinic & diagnosis

Lean cattle with markedly reduced appetite and mild anemia, identifiable by pale mucous membranes.

Typical sign of the disease

No description

Pictures

See below

Diagnostic formulas

No description

Differential diagnosis

- “Chronic” parasitic or dietary anemia PG10.1

-Bunostomosis N12

- Iron deficiency PG11

-Copper deficiency

-Anemia following hemorrhage PG11.1

Confirm a suspicion?

Anemia can be easily confirmed by a hematological examination with hemoglobin measurement. The macrocytic character of anemia is possible but inconsistent.

The measurement of vitamin B12 in plasma (or liver) allows a reliable indirect assessment of dietary cobalt intake.

Therapeutic diagnosis (cobalt supplementation) is the simplest and most effective way to confirm a suspicion. The intake of cobalt results in a clear recovery of appetite and ingestion, as well as production, in the following days. 

Prognosis and treatment

Providing vitamin B12 by injection

Oral cobalt intake 

Prevention

Make sure you know the deficient soils in your region, which are well described on the INRAE GISSOL website.

-A contribution of cobalt to the soil is possible

-A contribution of cobalt in mineral supplements

-A bolus intake enriched with cobalt

References

Veterinary Medicine-Pocket companion -9th Edition BLOOD DC-page 532