Cobalt Tolerance in Young Dairy Cattle

Abstract

Growing dairy heifers were able to consume daily up to approx. 50 mg. of cobalt per 100 lbs. of body wt. from cobaltous sulfate for many weeks without detectable harmful effects. The oral consumption of a small excess of cobalt sulfate produced an increase in hemoglobin and packed red cell volume. The oral consumption of a greater excess of cobalt sulfate resulted in a loss of appetite decreased water consumption, rough hair coat, and a lack of muscular coordination, as well as an increase in hemoglobin and packed red cell volume. High rates of cobalt feeding increased the cobalt content of kidney and liver tissues to several times that of the controls, but in light of the levels fed and the duration of feeding, the accumulations were considered to be small.