Which vitamin deficiency can lead to poor reproductive efficiency in cattle on low-quality forage?

Vitamin A deficiency is known to negatively impact reproductive efficiency in cattle, particularly in those grazing on low-quality forage. This vitamin plays a crucial role in various physiological functions, including vision, immune function, and reproduction. In reproductive health, vitamin A is essential for the maintenance of normal estrous cycles, fertility, and embryo development.

Cattle that are on low-quality forage may not receive adequate levels of vitamin A, which typically comes from green plants and is stored in the liver. Deficiency can lead to issues such as delayed estrus cycles and reduced conception rates, ultimately impairing the overall reproductive performance of the herd.

In contrast, vitamin D primarily aids in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, while vitamin K is crucial for blood clotting. Vitamin C, although important for general health, is not considered essential for cattle as they can synthesize it in their bodies. Therefore, while they play important roles in other bodily functions, deficiencies in these vitamins would not directly cause reproductive issues similar to the effect of vitamin A deficiency.