Cobalt Deficiency in Sheep: Pine Disease Welfare

Key Facts

• Cobalt deficiency is common on granite-derived soils and upland areas of high rainfall in the UK
• The rumen microbiome requires cobalt to synthesize vitamin B12 — dietary deficiency causes B12 deficiency
• Clinical signs in lambs include failure to thrive, wasting, lethargy, and characteristic pine appearance
• Affected sheep have impaired immunity and are susceptible to secondary infections compounding welfare impact
• Cobalt boluses, drenches, or cobalt sulfate topdressing of pastures are highly effective prevention

Welfare Considerations

Cobalt deficiency causes significant welfare suffering through progressive wasting and immune dysfunction. Lambs on deficient pastures fail to thrive, lose body condition, and develop the dull unthrifty appearance characteristic of pine disease. Sub-clinical deficiency reduces growth and increases disease susceptibility without obvious clinical signs. Soil sampling and herbage testing identifies deficient areas, allowing targeted supplementation before welfare impact develops.

What You Can Do

• Test soils and herbage on farms in cobalt-deficient risk areas before the first grazing season
• Administer cobalt boluses to lambs at turnout in known deficient areas for sustained supplementation
• Monitor lamb growth rates as a sentinel — poor growth on apparently good pasture warrants investigation
• Supplement ewes with cobalt in late pregnancy in deficient areas to improve lamb reserves at birth
• Top-dress pastures with cobalt sulfate if direct animal supplementation is impractical