Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Sheep: Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Pine

Cobalt deficiency causes vitamin B12 deficiency in sheep, resulting in the wasting condition known as pine, which is preventable through targeted supplementation.

Key Facts

Vitamin B12 is synthesised in the rumen from dietary cobalt - sheep cannot absorb B12 directly
Deficiency causes failure to thrive, ill-thrift, and the characteristic wasting condition called pine
Lambs are more severely affected than adults due to lower body reserves
UK soils vary in cobalt content, with highland and peat soils particularly deficient
Supplementation as cobalt bullets, injections, or oral drenching prevents the condition

Welfare Considerations

Cobalt-deficient lambs fail to thrive and deteriorate progressively, experiencing weakness and wasting that is entirely preventable with appropriate supplementation. The condition reflects inadequate mineral nutrition management rather than any unavoidable disease process. Regular monitoring of cobalt and vitamin B12 status on deficient farms ensures targeted supplementation that prevents welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Test blood B12 levels in lambs to confirm cobalt deficiency before supplementing
Supplement deficient farms using cobalt bullets or injections as directed by your vet
Monitor body condition and growth rates as welfare indicators of mineral nutrition
Include cobalt status in your sheep health plan and annual blood sampling protocol
Record cases of pine to identify farms with systemic cobalt deficiency