Effects of experimental vitamin E deprivation in the harp seal, Phoca groenlandica

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Engelhardt, F. R., Geraci, J. R.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1978
• Subjects: Harp Seal; Phoca groenlandica
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z78-294; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z78-294

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.