Effect of Injected Hydroxylamine upon Vitamin A Status of Sheep

Abstract

Daily injections of hydroxylamine at levels of 8.0, 1.9, or 2.9 mg./kg. of body weight in lambs consuming a ration containing, respectively, 2290 I.U. and 3.83 mg./kg. vitamin A and carotenoid pigments caused significant reductions in hemoglobin and plasma vitamin A levels. Neither the 1.9- nor the 2.9-mg. level significantly reduced gains or feed efficiency. When the diet was devoid of vitamin A and carotenoid pigments, the 3.0- mg. level of hydroxylamine significantly reduced gains, feed efficiency, hemoglobin level, hematocrit and plasma vitamin A level of sheep. Each level of hydroxylamine had no significant effect on liver vitamin A levels.