Cobalt Deficiency in Cattle in the North Eastern Region of Wisconsin

Abstract

Summary 1.Cobalt deficiency, characterized by unthriftiness and anemia, has been observed in cattle in Northeastern Wisconsin. 2.This deficiency was corrected by the feeding of salt containing one ounce of cobalt sulfate (CoSO 4 · 7H 2 O) per 100 pounds. When this salt mixture is incorporated into the grain at a level of one per cent, it will supply about 3mg. of elemental cobalt per day when five pounds of grain are consumed. Good results were also secured by the daily feeding of one teaspoonful of a solution made by dissolving one ounce of either cobalt sulphate or cobalt chloride in one gallon of water. 3.The normal range of the hemoglobin level of calves, heifers, and cows was 9.5 to 12.5 grams per 100 cc. of blood. 4.The tolerance for cobalt in this species was high. Feeding as much as 50mg. of cobalt per day produced no polycythemia.