On the importance of beta carotene supplementation for calves.

It is evident from the results, that the beta carotene and vitamin A levels in blood serum of calves of different age could be significantly increased by Rovimix--beta carotene supplementation. High utilization rate of beta carotene from Rovimix as well as considerable beta carotene conversion into vitamin A was also found in calves from dams supplemented with Rovimix--beta carotene in the period of late pregnancy. The contribution of beta carotene reserves of the mother to the vitamin A stores of the foetus and to the beta carotene and vitamin A concentrations in blood serum of calves suggest that the main preventive method of beta carotene and vitamin A deficiency in calves should be high intake of beta carotene from daily ration fed to cows or Rovimix--beta carotene supplementation during late pregnancy of cows.