Vitamin B12

Description:

Vitamin B12 is also called cyanocobalamin.

Function:

Vitamin B12 is a component of several enzyme systems involved in protein synthesis, carbohydrate and fat metabolism, cell replication.

Sources:

Synthesized by microorganisms from the intestinal tract. Bacterias require the trace element cobalt to synthesis vitamin B12. Much of the vitamin is stored in the liver.

Requirements:

No requirement has been established.

Deficiency:

Not reported in adult horses. Potential anaemia.

Excess:

Not described.

When problems may occur?

Synthesis in foals may be inadequate and require supplementation. Early-weaned foals should receive a supplement of 10 μg vitamin B12/kg dietary dry matter. Adult horses in training on high-grain rations may need dietary vitamin B12 supplementation because a decline in appetite shown by such horses may reflect a build-up of blood propionate. The propionate is produced in greater quantity when diets of this type are consumed, and its metabolism requires consumption of vitamin B12.