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Vitamin Supplementation for Beef Cattle

Vitamin Supplementation for Beef Cattle

ASC-248: Vitamin Supplementation for Beef Cattle

Authored by: Les Anderson Darrh Bullock Kevin Laurent Jeff Lehmkuhler Katherine VanValin

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Abstract

Beef cattle have defined requirements for vitamins. In some instances, vitamin supplementation may be necessary to avoid deficiencies. Vitamins are classified into two categories: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins include the B vitamins, such as riboflavin, thiamin, and niacin, as well as vitamin C. Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamins A, D, E, and K. Supplementation for beef cattle generally focuses on vitamins A and E. This is because the rumen microbes synthesize the water-soluble vitamins and vitamin K in sufficient quantities to avoid deficiencies. Vitamin D requirements can often be met by exposure to the sun and would therefore only be of concern for cattle in confinement housing.

Core Details

Publication ID

ASC-248

Status

New

Publication Date

Jul. 18, 2022

Series

Multi-Part Series

N/A


Categorical Details

Department(s)

Language

English

Peer Reviewed?

Yes

Contact Information

Tawana Brown
Associate Director, Educational Publications

361 Blazer Dining 343 S. Martin Luther King Blvd. Lexington, KY 40526-0012

+1 (859) 257-7566

tawana.brown@uky.edu