Abstract
Semisynthetic feeds with < 35 μg arsenic (As)/kg feed dry matter (DM) reduced the intrauterine growth rate, success of first insemination, conception rate and milk production, and increased the abortion rate and mortality of goats, minipigs, rats and chickens. None of the pregnant, As-deficient goats survived the second lactation. Death regularly occurred between the 17th and 35th day of lactation; typically, animals suffered spasms and died shortly thereafter. The normative requirement of goats, minipigs, rats and chickens is < 50 μg As/kg diet DM, while that of human adults is < 10 μg/day.
