Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Welfare and Cobalt Vitamin B12 Management

Cobalt deficiency causes vitamin B12 deficiency in sheep, leading to serious welfare problems including poor growth, ill-thrift, and immunosuppression. Prevention is essential.

Key Facts

Cobalt is required for rumen bacteria to synthesise vitamin B12
Deficiency causes pine (ill-thrift), poor growth, and increased disease susceptibility
Affected areas are well-mapped and preventative supplementation is routine management
Blood testing and liver biopsies confirm deficiency status on at-risk farms
Supplementation methods include drenching, slow-release boluses, and fertiliser applications

Welfare Considerations

Cobalt deficiency causes chronic welfare problems that are entirely preventable with appropriate supplementation on at-risk farms. Recognising and treating deficiency prevents significant suffering.

What You Can Do

Supplement sheep in known cobalt-deficient areas as routine prevention
Test for cobalt status if sheep show ill-thrift or poor performance
Learn about cobalt deficiency distribution and management in sheep
Choose lamb from farms with verified mineral supplementation programmes