Raw material and nutrient lexicon
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) takes on various tasks in the metabolism. On the one hand, it is involved in blood formation and growth processes. On the other hand, it serves to build two coenzymes. The coenzyme 5-deoxyadenylcobalamin is important for intermediate glucose and lactose formationin ruminants. In methionine metabolism, the second coenzyme (methylcobalamin) has important functions. A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to growth disorders, poor feed conversion, anaemia, pathological changes in the blood count and skin inflammations. In poultry, this can also result in reduced egg incubation and increased embryo mortality. No vitamin B12 is formed in plants, whereas the content in skimmed milk powder is high. If there is sufficient cobalt in the feed, the rumen microbes of ruminants produce sufficient amounts of this vitamin to meet their needs. Vitamin B12 from these sources can be well utilised by the animal. The feed is supplemented with appropriate amounts of vitamin B12 according to the needs of the respective animal species.
