The Influence of Vitamin C Deficiency on Dermatosis in Neonatal Dairy Calves

The study investigated the effects of vitamin C deficiency on skin health in neonatal dairy calves. Ten calves were divided into two groups: five controls and five with induced vitamin C deficiency. The deficient calves exhibited severe skin issues, including scaling, alopecia, erythema, purpura, and pruritus. Blood tests showed significant reductions in vitamin C levels, erythrocyte count, hemoglobin concentration, and packed cell volume, along with changes in neutrophils. Histopathology revealed hyperkeratosis and skin congestion. Treatment with vitamin C led to improvement in skin conditions, highlighting a strong link between vitamin C deficiency and dermatosis in calves.