A specific, vitamin a independent effect of beta carotene on cattle fertility. 1. Experimental arrangement, body development and ovarian function
Meyer, H.; Ahlswede, L.; Lotthammer, K.H.
Deutsche Tierärztliche Wochenschrift 82(11): 444-449
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0341-6593 PMID: 1104325 Document Number: 92704
In two 50-week feeding tests with 30 heifers - 12 controls and 18 test animals weighing 130-260 kg - the clinical effects of a beta -carotene-free diet with adequate vitamin A were investigated. All animals were fed a basic beta -carotene-free ration, supplemented in the controls by 0.3 mg stabilized beta -carotene and 100 I.U. vitamin A per kg body weight and in the test animals by 200 I.U. vitamin A only. Results of both tests showed steady body development in all animals, but marked differences in the function of the ovaries between controls and test animals after 2-3 months on the diet. Test animals had a delay of about one day in ovulation followed by slower development of the corpora lutea. Subsequently cystic degeneration of the ovaries (follicle and corpus luteum cysts) was noted. It was found, however, that additional feeding of beta -carotene (0.6 mg/kg body weight) after 30 weeks on the diet compensated largely for this degeneration.