scholarly journals Relationship between Vitamin B12 and Cobalt Metabolism in Domestic Ruminant: An Update

Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1855
Author(s):  
Jose-Ramiro González-Montaña ◽  
Francisco Escalera-Valente ◽  
Angel J. Alonso ◽  
Juan M. Lomillos ◽  
Roberto Robles ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Liver Steatosis ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Rumen Microorganisms ◽  
Enzymatic Systems ◽  
Cobalt Deficiency ◽  
Ruminant Animals ◽  
Reproductive Rates

Cobalt, as a trace element, is essential for rumen microorganisms for the formation of vitamin B12. In the metabolism of mammals, vitamin B12 is an essential part of two enzymatic systems involved in multiple metabolic reactions, such as in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, some amino acids and DNA. Adenosylcobalamin and methylcobalamin are coenzymes of methylmalonyl coenzyme A (CoA) mutase and methionine synthetase and are essential for obtaining energy through ruminal metabolism. Signs of cobalt deficiency range from hyporexia, reduced growth and weight loss to liver steatosis, anemia, impaired immune function, impaired reproductive function and even death. Cobalt status in ruminant animals can be assessed by direct measurement of blood or tissue concentrations of cobalt or vitamin B12, as well as the level of methylmalonic acid, homocysteine or transcobalamin in blood; methylmalonic acid in urine; some variables hematological; food consumption or growth of animals. In general, it is assumed that the requirement for cobalt (Co) is expressed around 0.11 ppm (mg/kg) in the dry matter (DM) diet; current recommendations seem to advise increasing Co supplementation and placing it around 0.20 mg Co/kg DM. Although there is no unanimous criterion about milk production, fattening or reproductive rates in response to increased supplementation with Co, in some investigations, when the total Co of the diet was approximately 1 to 1.3 ppm (mg/kg), maximum responses were observed in the milk production.

The relationship between the cobalt nutrition of ewes and the vitamin B12 status of ewes and their lambs

1987 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 1071 ◽  
Author(s):  
MF Quirk ◽  
BW Norton
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Acid Concentration ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Lactation Performance ◽  
Lower Productivity ◽  
Cotton South ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
The Relationship

An experiment was undertaken at Mt Cotton, south-east Queensland, to investigate the relationship between the cobalt nutrition of ewes and the occurrence of vitamin B12 deficiency in ewes and their lambs. Ewes received either no supplementary cobalt (C), 0.03 mg cobalt day-1 (LC), 0.06 mg cobalt day-1 (HC) or a cobalt bullet and grinder (CB). LC and HC ewes received their supplement as a weekly drench. Supplementation commenced prior to joining, and ewes subsequently grazed pangola grass pastures containing between 0.05 and 0.11 mg kg-1 cobalt.Cobalt supplementation of ewes increased their liveweight, reproductive and lactation performance. The milk production of ewes was influenced by the level of supplementation, with C, LC, HC and CB ewes producing 31.1, 41.5, 47.7 and 50.31. of milk respectively during the first 4 weeks of lactation. The lower productivity of C ewes was associated with concentrations of vitamin B12 in serum of less than 200 pg ml-1 and with the presence of detectable concentrations of methylmalonic acid (>80 8moles l-1) and formiminoglutamic acid (>30 8moles l-1) in their urine.The growth of lambs was influenced by the cobalt nutrition of their dams; the mean liveweight gain from birth to weaning (14 weeks of age) for lambs from C, LC, HC and CB ewes was 95, 158, 194 and 231 g day-1. Vitamin B12 deficiency was evident in lambs reared by C ewes from 4 weeks of age, but lambs from LC and HC ewes did not become deficient until 8 and 12 weeks of age respectively. Lambs from CB ewes remained free of signs of deficiency prior to weaning. Urinary formiminoglutamic acid concentration was a more reliable indicator of vitamin B12 status in young lambs than urinary methylmalonic acid concentration. The concentrations of vitamin B12 in the serum of lambs were low in all groups (< 150 pg ml-1) and were generally unaffected by the cobalt nutrition of their dams.A dietary cobalt intake of about 0.15 mg day-1 appeared to be necessary for optimal milk production from ewes. However, this level of dietary cobalt was inadequate for provision of sufficient quantities of maternal vitamin B12 to meet the requirements of lambs in the later stages of lactation.

Relationships between plasma methylmalonic acid and ruminal succinate in cobalt-deficient and -repleted sheep

2007 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 367 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. C. Wiese ◽  
C. L. White ◽  
I. H. Williams ◽  
J. G. Allen
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Plasma Vitamin ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Deficient Diet ◽  
Wool Growth ◽  
Cobalt Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin B12 Supplementation ◽  
Effective Degree

We measured methylmalonic acid (MMA) in plasma and succinate in the rumen during the depletion of sheep to a state of severe cobalt deficiency and repletion by various forms of supplementation. Groups of 10, cobalt-deficient weaners were allocated to one of 4 treatments: no supplement, 0.1 or 4.0 mg/day of cobalt as a solution of CoSO4.7H2O per os, or intramuscular vitamin B12. Plasma concentrations of MMA were elevated above the normal range (5 µmol/L) after 35 days on the cobalt-deficient diet, before a reduction in feed intake and while liveweights were still increasing. In all 3 supplemented groups of sheep, plasma vitamin B12 concentrations increased to normal levels within 10 days of supplementation (P < 0.001). Plasma MMA concentrations were reduced to normal levels within 10 days with vitamin B12 supplementation but took 31 days with oral cobalt supplementation (P < 0.001). Plasma MMA concentration in the unsupplemented group continued to rise and remain high for the duration of the experiment and did not show the peak and decline to levels indistinguishable from cobalt adequate levels as observed by others. Rumen succinate concentrations were elevated within 6 days of sheep being introduced to a cobalt-deficient diet and in the unsupplemented sheep remained elevated for the duration of measurement. This rise in rumen succinate was seen at a wider range of cobalt intakes than previously reported. In both oral cobalt treatments, vitamin B12 concentrations increased (P < 0.001) and succinate concentrations decreased (P < 0.001) in the rumen to normal levels within 6 days of supplementation. However, the vitamin B12 provided to the sheep by injection was not recycled to the rumen to any effective degree, as demonstrated by the persistence of high rumen succinate concentrations. The ability of the vitamin B12-supplemented sheep to maintain higher rates of wool growth than deficient sheep, while still exhibiting elevated succinate concentrations in the rumen, demonstrates that overcoming the blockage of the methylmalonyl CoA mutase pathway in the rumen is not essential for restoring metabolic pathways such as those responsible for wool growth. This work contributes to the knowledge of plasma MMA and rumen succinate as useful indicators of functional cobalt status and cobalt intake in sheep.

Thiaminase activity in the gut of cobalt-deficient sheep

1983 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 211 ◽  
Author(s):  
SO Mann ◽  
AB Wilson ◽  
M Barr ◽  
WJ Lawson ◽  
L Duncan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Excretion ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Clinical Condition ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Poor Correlation ◽  
Bacillus Spp ◽  
Cobalt Deficiency

In an attempt to clarify the reported relationship between cobalt deficiency and the incidence of cerebrocortical necrosis (CCN), sheep were fed on a diet deficient in cobalt. High levels of thiaminase activity were found regularly in rumen and faeces samples from cobalt-deficient animals, and also from controls supplemented with cobalt or vitamin B12. There was a poor correlation between thiaminase activity and viable counts of the thiaminase-producing organisms Clostvidium spovogenes and Bacillus spp. Urinary excretion of thiamine appeared normal. When the sheep were killed, normal concentrations of thiamine were found in the liver. The sheep were deficient in vitamin B12, as judged by the concentrations in serum and liver, by urinary excretion of methylmalonic acid, and by clinical condition. Twitching and weakness were observed, but clinical signs of CCN did not develop.

Effects of cobalt deficiency in the pregnant ewe on neonatal lamb survival

1992 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 169-171 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. E. J. Fisher ◽  
A. MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Performance ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Milk Powder ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Deficient Diet ◽  
Cobalt Deficiency ◽  
Acid Status ◽  
Pregnant Ewe ◽  
Skimmed Milk Powder

It has been suggested (Mills, 1981) that there was a lack of research on the effects of cobalt (Co) deficiency on the reproductive performance of sheep. Duncan, Morrison and Garton (1981) reported that clinically Co-deficient ewes produced fewer lambs with a higher incidence of stillbirths and neonatal mortalities than Co-sufficient animals. Garton, Duncan and Fell (1981) related these findings to the vitamin B12 and methylmalonic acid status of dams. However, their investigations used few animals and were therefore inconclusive. The objectives of this work were to investigate the effects of subclinical Co deficiency in pregnant hill sheep on reproductive performance and neonatal lamb viability.Experiment 1 (1985/86) comprised 60 Scottish Blackface × Swaledale ewes, while experiment 2 (1986/87) included 30 of these animals plus 30 pure Scottish Blackface sheep. In both experiments the ewes were housed and bedded on sawdust and a Co-deficient diet of timothy hay, micronized maize, maize gluten, dibasic calcium phosphate and sodium chloride was offered. Skimmed milk powder was introduced to the diet during lactation. The Co content of the diet was 0.06 mg Co per kg dry matter.

An audit of holotranscobalamin (“Active” B12) and methylmalonic acid assays for the assessment of vitamin B12 status: Application in a mixed patient population

2014 ◽  
Vol 47 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 82-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agata Sobczyńska-Malefora ◽  
Renata Gorska ◽  
Michel Pelisser ◽  
Patricia Ruwona ◽  
Bernie Witchlow ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Patient Population ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid

The Effect of Cobalt Deficiency in the Pregnant Ewe on Lamb Viability

1988 ◽  
Vol 1988 ◽  
pp. 27-27
Author(s):  
G.E.J. Fisher ◽  
A. MacPherson
Keyword(s):  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Post Partum ◽  
Acquired Immunity ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Treatment Groups ◽  
Turbidity Test ◽  
Term Trial ◽  
Cobalt Deficiency ◽  
Pregnant Ewe

Experiments were designed to investigate the effect of sub-clinical cobalt deficiency in pregnant hill sheep, on lamb viability. This form of the deficiency is not characterised by clinical symptoms. The disease is therefore difficult to detect, and may be of economic importance to farms on land of marginal cobalt status.In each of two trials, both with sixty Scottish Blackface x Swaledale ewes, animals were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: A. Cobalt-deficient intake throughout pregnancy; B. Initially cobalt-sufficient intake, but deficient from mid-pregnancy (Trial 1) or initially cobalt-deficient intake, but repleted from mid-term (Trial 2); C. Cobalt-sufficient intake throughout pregnancy. A cobalt-deficient ration (<0.06 mg Co/kg DM) of Timothy hay, micronised maize and maize gluten, was fed from tupping in Trial 1, and from two months before tupping in Trial 2. Treated animals received a weekly oral dose of 0.7 mg Co/head.Vitamin B12 (microbiological and radio-immuno assays) and methylmalonic acid (capillary gas chromatography) were analysed in ewe and lamb sera, as indicators of cobalt status. Levels of passively acquired immunity were measured by analysis of lamb sera, sampled at two and four weeks post-partum, for immunoglobulin G (IgG) and by the zinc sulphate turbidity test (ZSTT).

scholarly journals Improved testing for vitamin B12 deficiency: correcting MMA for eGFR reduces the number of patients classified as vitamin B12 deficient

2018 ◽  
Vol 55 (6) ◽  
pp. 685-692 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saskia LM van Loon ◽  
Anna M Wilbik ◽  
Uzay Kaymak ◽  
Edwin R van den Heuvel ◽  
Volkher Scharnhorst ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Mining ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Data Mining Approach ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
The Relationship

Background Methylmalonic acid (MMA) can detect functional vitamin B12 deficiencies as it accumulates early when intracellular deficits arise. However, impaired clearance of MMA from blood due to decreased glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) also results in elevated plasma MMA concentrations. Alternative to clinical trials, a data mining approach was chosen to quantify and compensate for the effect of decreased eGFR on MMA concentration. Methods Comprehensive data on patient’s vitamin B12, eGFR and MMA concentrations were collected ( n = 2906). The relationship between vitamin B12, renal function (eGFR) and MMA was modelled using weighted multiple linear regression. The obtained model was used to estimate the influence of decreased eGFR on MMA. Clinical impact was examined by comparing the number of patients labelled vitamin B12 deficient with and without adjustment in MMA. Results Adjusting measured MMA concentrations for eGFR in the group of patients with low-normal vitamin B12 concentrations (90–300 pmol/L) showed that the use of unadjusted MMA concentrations overestimates vitamin B12 deficiency by 40%. Conclusions Through a data mining approach, the influence of eGFR on the relation between MMA and vitamin B12 can be quantified and used to correct the measured MMA concentration for decreased eGFR. Especially in the elderly, eGFR-based correction of MMA may prevent over-diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency and corresponding treatment.

Consequences for reproductive function of metabolic adaption to load

1999 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 99-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Webb ◽  
P. C. Garnsworthy ◽  
J. G. Gong ◽  
R. S. Robinson ◽  
D. C. Wathes
Keyword(s):  
Energy Balance ◽  
Dairy Cows ◽  
Milk Production ◽  
Direct Effect ◽  
Milk Yield ◽  
Dairy Cow ◽  
Reproductive Function ◽  
Negative Energy ◽  
Follicular Growth ◽  
Embryo Survival

AbstractAn effective method for enhancing milk production efficiency in dairy cows is to increase milk yield and significant progress has been achieved through intense selection, assisted by the application of new reproductive techniques. However this increased milk yield has been accompanied by a slow but steady decline in dairy cow fertility. The two main reasons for this reducing level of fertility appear to be selection for increased milk yield and large herd sizes, although the affect of the introduction of Holstein genes needs to be investigated. In addition, other negative consequences such as an increase in the incidence of metabolic diseases and lameness have been observed. This has given rise to public concern that the high-yielding dairy cow may be under a state of metabolic stress during peak lactation and therefore the welfare and performance of other body functions are compromised.The reason for this decline in fertility is not well understood, although a nutritional influence on the initiation of oestrous cycles, follicular growth, oocyte quality and early embryonic development has been implicated. In early lactation dietary intake is unable to meet the demands of milk production and most cows enter a period of negative energy balance. Negative energy balance has a broadly similar effect to undernutrition leading to a mobilization of body reserves. Furthermore diets high in rumen degradable protein lead to an excess of rumen ammonia, which before it is converted to urea by the liver and excreted in the urine, may cause an alteration in the reproductive tract environment reducing embryo survival. Such major changes in the metabolic and endocrine systems can therefore influence fertility at a number of key points.Possible reproductive sites where inadequate nutrition may have detrimental effects include: (i) the hypothalamic/pituitary gland where gonadotropin release may be impaired; (ii) a direct effect on the ovaries, where both follicular growth patterns and corpus luteum function may be directly influenced; (iii) the quality of the oocyte prior to ovulation may be reduced and coupled with an inadequate uterine environment will result in reduced embryo survival and (iv) there may be effects on subsequent embryo development. The initiation of normal oestrous cycles post partum is usually delayed in dairy cows with a higher genetic merit for milk production, confirming that intense selection towards high milk yield can compromise reproductive function. In addition, the effects of increased milk yield may include changes in circulating GH and insulin concentrations, which in turn alter both insulin-like growth factor (IGF) and IGF binding protein production. Nutrition has recently been shown to have a direct effect at the level of both the ovaries and the uterus to alter the expression of these growth factors.In conclusion, further knowledge is required to determine how the metabolic changes associated with high milk output reduce fertility. Identification and understanding of the mechanisms involved and the key sites of action responsible for compromised reproductive function, will enable the identification of possible indices for future multiple-trait selection programmes.

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