A Report on the Occurrence of Rickets in Calves under Farm Conditions

Abstract

Nine cases of rickets in Guernsey calves, from 3-6 mos. of age, developed under farm conditions in one herd in Wayne County, Ohio, are reported. Blood analysis of the rachitic calves showed low serum Ca and P and extremely high phosphatase values. All the calves, except one, which died a few days after being discovered, responded to vitamin D administration in the form of irradiated yeast. 30 months later at the end of their first lactations the same animals all appeared normal, except one, which still had a slight roach (upward curvature) in its back and an abnormal curvature of the neck. A discussion of the.factors which favor development of rickets is given and recommendations are made concerning prevention and cure of rickets.