Comparative nutrition of pantothenic acid

Abstract Pantothenic acid, a B-vitamin, is essential for all mammalian species that have been studied: humans, calves, pigs, dogs, rodents, and cats, as well as for poultry and fish. The different species develop various deficiency signs such as growth retardation; anorexia; changes in hair, feather, or skin; locomotor abnormalities; gastrointestinal problems; compromised immunofunctions; impaired adrenal functions; altered lipid and carbohydrate metabolism; and adverse breeding outcome. Because there are no reliable and sensitive criteria for assessing pantothenate status, the dietary requirements of different species are most frequently set at the level that results in maximum growth. The pantothenate requirement varies widely among different species and strains, and depends on the age, growth rate, and breeding stages of the animals. This review summarizes the deficiency signs and the requirements for pantothenate of different species, and discusses various factors that affect pantothenate requirements of the animals.