Riboflavin Deficiency in the Dairy Calf

Abstract

The bovine species requires riboflavin, supplied either in the diet or by rumen or intestinal synthesis. On a riboflavin deficient diet the calf develops definite pathological symptoms and riboflavin practically disappears from the urine. Riboflavin deficiency in the young dairy calf is characterized by hyperemia of the buccal mucosa, lesions in the corner of the mouth, along the edges of the lips and around the navel, loss of appetite, poor growth, scours, excessive salivation and lachrymation, and loss of hair. No vascularization of the cornea or opacity of the lens were observed on periodical examination with the ophthalmoscope. The administration of riboflavin rapidly cures the deficiency.