Calves with stiff, swollen joints may need which supplement?

Calves with stiff, swollen joints may need which supplement?

• A. Vitamin C
• B. Vitamin D
• C. Vitamin E and Selenium
• D. Calcium

Answer: (C)

Deficiency of selenium and vitamin E can cause a nutritional myopathy in calves that shows up as stiffness and swelling of the joints. Selenium serves as a key part of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, protecting muscle cells from oxidative damage, while vitamin E is a major lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from deterioration. When the muscles and connective tissues are damaged or stressed, joints can become stiff and appear swollen as part of the inflammatory response. Providing these nutrients supports the integrity of muscle and joint tissues and improves movement. Vitamin C isn’t required in cattle in the same way as in some other species, and vitamin D/calcium focus more on bone metabolism and calcium balance rather than resolving this muscle-related joint stiffness. Therefore, boosting vitamin E and selenium specifically addresses the underlying antioxidant deficiency contributing to the signs.

Deficiency of selenium and vitamin E can cause a nutritional myopathy in calves that shows up as stiffness and swelling of the joints. Selenium serves as a key part of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase, protecting muscle cells from oxidative damage, while vitamin E is a major lipid-soluble antioxidant that protects cell membranes from deterioration. When the muscles and connective tissues are damaged or stressed, joints can become stiff and appear swollen as part of the inflammatory response. Providing these nutrients supports the integrity of muscle and joint tissues and improves movement.

Vitamin C isn’t required in cattle in the same way as in some other species, and vitamin D/calcium focus more on bone metabolism and calcium balance rather than resolving this muscle-related joint stiffness. Therefore, boosting vitamin E and selenium specifically addresses the underlying antioxidant deficiency contributing to the signs.