The Influence of Trace-Mineralized Salt upon the Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Content of Goat's Milk

The vitamin B12 and folic acid content of the milk of goats receiving iodized salt throughout their lactation period was determined by Collins, Harper, Schreiber and Elvehjem in 1951 (1). The average colostrum level of vitamin B12 was observed to be 4.2 ~, per liter immediately following parturition and was observed to drop rapidly to the low level of 0.18 ~ per liter after 3 weeks. Since Harper, Richard and Collins (3) reported that the vitamin BI_~ level of ewe's milk could be increased by the addition of cobalt or trace-minerals (containing cobalt) to the ewe's diet, similar studies were initiated with the dairy goat. The effect of trace-minerals upon the folic acid content of goat's milk also was studied.