A shortage of ß-carotene, even with a sufficient supply of vitamin A, leads to dangerous disorders of the reproductive glands and other organs. These disorders negatively affect animals’ reproductive capacity, which manifests itself in weak, prolonged oestrus, irregular sexual cycles, ovulation disorders, underdevelopment of the corpus luteum, among other symptoms.
Offspring of mothers with beta-carotene deficiency are weak and more often suffer from gastrointestinal disorders (diarrhea).