Utilization of Vitamin A in Different Carriers by Beef Cattle

Vitamin A depleted cattle were given orally pure synthetic vitamin A esters in the forms of aqueous dispersion, oil solution and gelatin beadlets at levels of 2800–72,000 I.U. per 100 lb. body weight. The aqueous and gelatin beadlet forms of vitamin A produced greater blood plasma vitamin A responses at 12 hours after dosing and greater average plasma responses for the entire period following dosing than did the oil solutions of vitamin A.Oil solutions of synthetic vitamin A and natural vitamin A (fish oil) when administered in equal doses produced blood plasma responses which were not significantly different at 12 hours or for the entire period.