Effects of experimental vitamin E deprivation in the harp seal, Phoca groenlandica
Captive harp seals, Phoca groenlandica, were fed a diet of herring with no vitamin E supplement for 18 months and were examined for abnormalities which might be attributable to a lack of the vitamin. Vitamin deficiency was based on clinical, physiological, and biochemical parameters. All of the depr...
| Published in: | Canadian Journal of Zoology |
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| Main Authors: | , |
| Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Canadian Science Publishing
1978
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z78-294 http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z78-294 |
| Summary: | Captive harp seals, Phoca groenlandica, were fed a diet of herring with no vitamin E supplement for 18 months and were examined for abnormalities which might be attributable to a lack of the vitamin. Vitamin deficiency was based on clinical, physiological, and biochemical parameters. All of the deprived seals showed decreased plasma vitamin E concentrations, as well as evidence of electrolyte imbalance characterized by low plasma sodium levels. Vitamin E deprivation also led to abnormal molting patterns, characterized by incomplete and irregular cycles. |
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