Studies on a Principle of Vitamin B₁₂ Deficiency in Cattle. Part 3

Abstract

(1) Further studies on several kinds of strains in rice-fodder such as Natto bacteria belonging to Bacill. subtilis were carried out, but these microbes differed from Actinomycetes in the vitamin B₁₂-producing activity.
(2) The diseased animals were treated by the intermuscular injection of vitamin B₁₂, and the satisfactory response on the variation of red blood cell count and of the diameter of red corpuscles. Therefore, it was found that “Kuwazu disease” may be a form of macrocytic anemia, namely endemic vitamin B₁₂ deficiency in cattle owing to the absence of vitamin B₁₂-forming microorganisms due to the toxic power of SiF₆'' ions.
(3) More recently, the presence of Actinomycetes in the rnmen and feces of cattle suffering from “Kiriyoi disease” in Shimane Prefecture was tested. In this case also, no Actinomycetes was detected. On the contrary, control examinations for healthy animals in the province always indicated posiive results.
(4) The curative experiment of “Kiriyoi disease” with vitamin B₁₂ by injection was also successfully completed.
(5) The vitamin B₁₂-deficiency in cattle and biosynthesis in vivo of this vitamin seem to be considered as in Fig. 3.