Vitamins

The vital activity of any organism cannot be complete with a lack of vitamins. Violation of the norms of the vitamin-mineral complex leads to metabolic dysfunction and the appearance of various diseases. In cases of prolonged vitamin deficiency, even the death of an animal or bird is possible.

It is interesting that the clinical signs of a specific avitaminosis are very similar to the symptoms of an excess of the corresponding vitamin, i.e. hypervitaminosis. Only strict adherence to the content of biologically active substances in the diets of different animal species can ensure a good general condition of the body and the highest possible productivity.

Vitamins are divided into two groups:

  1. Water-soluble, represented by group B, vitamin C. Replenishment of vitamins of this group in the body is achieved by giving such feeds as green mass, high-quality hay, feed yeast, whole milk substitute, etc. Water-soluble vitamin complexes are indispensable in the redox reactions of the body, in the synthesis of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, and are catalysts in the biochemical processes of the animal's life.
  2. Fat-soluble – these are vitamins of groups A, D, E, K. This type of vitamins is included in fish oil, feed yeast, plant feeds. Some fat-soluble vitamins are synthesized directly in the animal body under the influence of certain factors.

There is a need to clearly track the content of vitamins in a particular diet depending on the feed included in it. If necessary, the amount of biologically active substances is regulated using various additives.

  • Lack of water-soluble vitamins:

    • B1 – disturbance of the body's water-salt, fat and protein balance, loss of appetite and weight, weakness in the limbs, impaired coordination of movements, vomiting, upset stomach;
    • B2 – premature birth, birth of weak or non-viable offspring;
    • B3 – skin disorders, intestinal damage, growth retardation, paralysis;
    • B4 – low weight gain, reduced fertility and health of offspring, liver problems;
    • B5 – metabolic problems, external integuments, nervous system, genitals suffer. Young pigs grow up infertile;
    • B6 – dermatitis, anemia, increased nervous excitability, possible convulsions leading to death;
    • H – dermatitis, with hair loss and the appearance of bleeding cracks;
    • B12 – pernicious anemia, sharp weight loss with subsequent exhaustion of the body, decreased productivity;
    • C – weakened immunity, decreased reproductive function.

     

    Insufficient amount of fat-soluble vitamins:

    • A – reproductive dysfunction, impaired vision, as a result of which animals may be exposed to objects and other animals;
    • D – occurrence of rickets, osteoporosis;
    • E – changes in the genitourinary system, infertility;
    • K – blood clotting disorder.

Prolonged feeding of animals without necessary vitamins causes the following diseases:

  1. A-hypovitaminosis – a disease associated with the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Adult livestock and young animals are affected;
  2. D-hypovitaminosis or rickets;
  3. Vitamin C deficiency. The disease mainly affects young livestock;
  4. B-vitaminosis caused by low levels of B vitamins in feed, as well as poor housing conditions. More common in young farm animals;
  5. Vitamin E deficiency – blocks reproductive function, in males sexual reflexes fade, and sperm motility decreases, females become infertile and prone to abortion.

The importance of vitamins in the daily diet of farm animals is very high. The ability to create a correct, healthy and balanced diet guarantees high fertility, good productivity and high growth among young and adult individuals.

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