Plasma Concentrations of β-Carotene and Vitamin A in Cows with Ovarian Cyst

Abstract

Plasma levels of β-carotene and vitamin A in Holstein cows with ovarian cysts, raised on a feed with low β-carotene contents were determined. Feeding green forages significantly increased plasma β-carotene but had small effect on vitamin A in cows. The levels of β-carotene were significantly lower in cows with ovarian cysts than those in cows without ovarian cysts, when they were fed only straw and concentrates. The levels of vitamin A were also slightly lower in cows with ovarian cysts.