Influence of dietary rapeseed oil, vitamin E, and copper on the performance and the antioxidative and oxidative status of pigs.

We investigated the effects of dietary copper and vitamin E in diets containing 6% rapeseed oil on the performance and the antioxidative and oxidative status of growing pigs. The 10 dietary treatments consisted of a basal diet (9 mg of vitamin E/kg feed, 15 mg of Cu/kg feed), the basal diet + 6% rapeseed oil (Diet 1; 18 mg of vitamin E/kg feed, 15 mg of Cu/kg feed), and Diet 1 plus supplements of vitamin E (0, 100, and 200 mg of dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed) and copper (0, 35, and 175 mg of Cu/ kg feed) in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Eight or nine pigs were given ad libitum access to each diet from 25 to 100 kg of live weight. The inclusion of rapeseed oil tended (P < .10) to improve ADG and feed utilization. Compared with the addition of 35 mg of Cu/kg, the addition of 175 mg/kg improved growth rate and increased feed intake early in the experiment, but, over the total experiment, neither 35 nor 175 mg of Cu/kg affected performance. Compared with the addition of 100 mg of vitamin E/kg or no addition, the addition of 200 mg/kg reduced ADG over the total experiment (P = .05). The antioxidative and oxidative status of the pigs was evaluated in terms of blood and liver concentrations of antioxidants (alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, vitamin A, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase), prooxidants (Cu), concentrations of lipids (triglycerides and cholesterol), fatty acid composition, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), and clinical chemical (creatine kinase and glutamate-oxaloacetate-transaminase) and hematological variables that indicate the level of oxidative stress. There were no vitamin E deficiency signs or increased oxidative stress in pigs fed low dietary vitamin E levels, and no prooxidative effect of Cu was found. Increasing dietary levels of vitamin E increased the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in plasma and liver. Supplementation with Cu increased liver concentrations of Cu and alphatocopherol. The progression in liver TBARS was reduced by the addition of vitamin E and Cu. The addition of rapeseed oil changed the fatty acid composition of liver, increased alpha-tocopherol concentration in plasma and Cu concentration in liver, and reduced the rate of lipid oxidation in liver. In conclusion, even though the effects were minor, vitamin E, Cu, and rapeseed oil improved the antioxidative status of the live pigs.     

Effect of vitamin E and copper on the vitamin E status and performance of growing pigs

A 13-wk trial was conducted with 32 pigs to determine the effects of dietary Cu (250 ppm) and alpha-tocopheryl acetate (ATA, 22 IU/kg) on the performance, serum enzymes, serum and tissue tocopherols, and antibody production in growing pigs. Pigs were fed corn-soybean meal diets containing 21% CP the first 4 wk and 18% CP during the rest of the trial. All feed was stored a minimum of 14 d before it was fed. The addition of Cu decreased (P less than .01) the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in the feed. alpha-Tocopherol concentrations were less than .01 mg/kg in the starter diet and less than 2 mg/kg in the grower diet after 14 d of storage. Supplemental Cu or ATA had no effect on ADG, feed intake, or gain:feed during the first 4 wk. During wk 5 to 13, the addition of Cu to diets containing no ATA increased daily feed intake and decreased gain:feed, but with ATA addition, feed intake decreased and gain:feed increased, resulting in a Cu x ATA interaction (P less than .05). The addition of Cu or ATA had no effect (P greater than .1) on serum glutathione peroxidase or lactic dehydrogenase activity. Serum tocopherols were reduced (P less than .05) by the addition of Cu during wk 1 to 4, 6 (P less than .01), and 7 (P less than .05) and increased (P less than .01) by ATA addition during the entire experiment. The addition of ATA increased the tocopherol concentrations in bile, ham, heart, pancreas, kidney, spleen, liver, psoas and longissimus muscle (P less than .01), kidney fat, backfat, and adrenal gland (P less than .05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Naringin and vitamin E influence the oxidative stability and lipid profile of plasma in lambs fed fish oil

Thirty two Merino lambs (15 weeks old) fed barley straw and fish oil enriched concentrate were used to assess the effect of vitamin E (6 g kg⁻¹ DM) and naringin (1.5-3 g kg⁻¹ DM) on plasma lipid peroxidation (TBARS), total antioxidant status (TAS), immune response, plasma cholesterol, and triglycerides. After 21 days feeding the experimental diets, lambs were subjected to a 4 h transportation stress period and then held 4 more hours without feed. TBARS values before stress were lower for animals consuming vitamine E and naringin when compared to control lambs (P < 0.05). However, after stress all groups presented similar levels of TBARS. TAS decreased (P < 0.05) in all groups in response to stress with values recovering (P < 0.05) to pre-stress values following 4 h of rest. A rise (P < 0.05) in serum concentrations of triacylglycerol following 21 d of fish oil supplementation was dampened in lambs consuming vitamin E or naringin. Both pre-stress TBARS and triacylglycerol-reducing effects of naringin added to fish oil enriched concentrate for fattening lambs are reported.     

The effect of polychlorinated biphenyls on the vitamin A, vitamin E, and ascorbic acid status in young pigs

Admixture for 14 to 26 days of concentrations between 1 mg/kg to 250 mg/kg of polychlorinated biphenyls, Delor 103, 105, and 106 (Chemko, Strázeke) to ready-mixed feedstuffs was studied in 5 experiments for its effects on 71 piglets and store pigs. Neither growth nor general health were in any way impaired. Polychlorinated biphenyls produced different effects upon vitamin A, vitamin E, and ascorbic acid levels in different organs. Vitamin A concentrations in blood serum, for example were reduced by 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg of Delor 105 as well as by 250 mg/kg of Delor 103. Liver levels were not significantly depressed. No changes were recordable from vitamin E levels in blood serum and liver. Ascorbic acid saturation of the organism was positively affected. Its concentrations and overall levels in the liver in all experimental groups were higher than those in all controls. Significant rise of ascorbic acid concentrations in blood serum, urine, and kidneys occurred merely in response to 100 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg of Delor 105 as well as to 250 mg/kg of Delor 103. No adverse effect of tissue-borne residues of polychlorinated biphenyls on the status of administered vitamins was recordable 1 to 4 months after termination of experimental supply. Feed intake with 1 mg/kg of Delor 105, which was equivalent to increased natural contamination, did not cause any negative phenomena in any of the probands.     

Evaluating the antioxidant status of weanling pigs fed dietary vitamins A and E

Two experiments evaluated the relationship of vitamin E (source and level) and vitamin A (level) on the apparent absorption and retention of both vitamins in weaned pigs. Both experiments used a combined total of 460 crossbred pigs ([Yorkshire x Landrace] x Duroc), housed in elevated 1.2- x 1.2-m crates containing five pigs per pen. Experiment 1 was a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments in a randomized complete block design conducted in seven replicates. Levels of vitamin A (2,200 or 13,200 IU/kg), vitamin E (15 or 90 IU/kg), and two vitamin E sources (D-alpha-tocopheryl acetate [D-TAc] or DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate [DL-TAc]) were evaluated over a 35-d period. Vitamin A or E levels and the two vitamin E sources did not affect pig performances to 20 kg BW. Serum retinol and alpha-tocopherol concentrations increased (P < 0.01) as the dietary level of each vitamin increased. Serum alpha-tocopherol declined as dietary vitamin E level increased when vitamin A level increased resulting in an interaction (P < 0.05). Serum alpha-tocopherol concentrations were higher (P < 0.05) at 35-d postweaning when D-TAc was the vitamin E source. Experiment 2 was a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments conducted in six replicates. Three levels of vitamin A (2,200, 13,200, or 26,400 IU/ kg) and two sources of vitamin E (D-TAc or DL-TAc) each provided at 40 IU/kg diet were evaluated over a 35-d period. Pig performances to 35-d postweaning were not affected by the dietary variables. Serum alpha-tocopherol (P < 0.01) and retinol (P < 0.05) concentrations increased as their respective vitamin level increased. Serum (P < 0.05) and liver (P < 0.01) alpha-tocopherol concentrations both declined as dietary vitamin A levels increased resulting in interaction responses. Serum alpha-tocopherol concentration was higher (P < 0.05) at 35-d postweaning when d-TAc was the vitamin E source. Dietary vitamin E sources had no effect on serum or liver retinol concentrations. These results demonstrated that both supplemental vitamin A and vitamin E increased in the blood as their dietary levels increased. However, as dietary vitamin A level increased, serum and liver alpha-tocopherol concentrations declined, suggesting a reduced absorption and retention of alpha-tocopherol when weaned pigs were fed high dietary vitamin A levels.     

Effect of dietary fish oil and vitamin E supplementation on hematologic and serum biochemical analytes and oxidative status in young dogs

Fifteen healthy dogs received a basal diet supplemented with either 12.4 g of sunflower oil, 0.6 g of sunflower oil and 7 g of menhaden fish oil, or 0.6 g of sunflower oil and 7 g of menhaden fish oil plus 0.18 g of alpha-tocopherol acetate for twelve weeks. There was no significant diet effect on platelet aggregation, lipid peroxidation, or standard hematologic and biochemical parameters, with the exception of decreased triglycerides in dogs supplemented with fish oil. These data demonstrate that this level of fish oil supplementation in dogs does not require vitamin E supplementation above recommended dosage and may prove beneficial in the treatment of hyperlipidemia in the dog.     

The effect of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E on the regeneration of skeletal muscles in pigs

The aim of the study was to observe the effect of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E supplementation on the course of the regeneration process of the longissimus lumborum muscle after bupivacaine-induced myonecrosis as well as to determine the correlation between the level of those substances in plasma and their levels in damaged and non-damaged muscular tissue in pigs. The obtained results indicate that the course of regeneration of a damaged muscle is affected to a higher extent by coenzyme Q10 than by vitamin E. The administration of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin E has a significant impact on the increase in the level of those substances in damaged muscles and plasma of animals.     

Pathological changes in chickens, ducks and turkeys fed high levels of rapeseed oil.

Rations containing 25% of either regular rapeseed oil (36% erucic acid), Oro rapeseed oil (1.9% erucic acid), soybean oil or a mixture of lard and corn oil were fed to chickens, ducks and turkeys. The regular rapeseed oil ration caused growth depression, increased feed conversion and anemia in all species. All the ducks and some of the chickens fed the regular rapeseed oil ration died. These dead birds were affected with hydropericardium and ascites. No deaths in the turkeys could be attributed to the regular rapeseed oil ration but some turkeys fed this ration had degenerative foci characterized by infiltrations of histiocytic and giant cells in the myocardium. Severe fatty change in the heart, skeletal muscles, spleen and kidney was found at an early age in all birds fed the regular rapeseed oil ration. Less severe fatty change but no other lesions were found in birds fed the Oro rapeseed oil and soybean oil rations.     

Chemical composition,energy and amino acid digestibility in double-low rapeseed meal fed to growing pigs

Background

The nutritional value of rapeseed meal may be variable due to the variation of its chemical composition. And a precise understanding of the nutritional value of an ingredient is beneficial for the accurate diet formulation and reduction of feed costs. This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition, digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) content, and apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) for growing pigs. Thirteen solvent-extracted double-low rapeseed meal (DLRSM) samples were obtained from the main double-low rapeseed producing areas in China.

Methods

The DE and ME contents of the 13 DLRSM samples were measured in growing pigs (six pigs per DLRSM sample, average initial body weight (BW) = 48.3 kg). The AID and SID of AA of 10 DLRSM samples were determined in 12 crossbred barrows (average initial BW = 35.3 kg) by using two 6 × 6 Latin square designs. Each Latin square comprised one N-free diet and 5 DLRSM test diets.

Results

The chemical composition of DLRSM varied among samples, and the coefficient of variation was greater than 10 % for ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), calcium (Ca), and total glucosinolates. The AA content of DLRSM varied among samples especially for lysine (Lys) and methionine (Met). On a dry matter (DM) basis, the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), the DE and ME and the ME:DE ratio of DLRSM averaged 62.39 %, 2862 kcal/kg and 2723 kcal/kg, and 94.95 %, respectively. The mean value of SID of Lys was 70.52 % which varied from 66.54–76.54 %. The SID of crude protein (CP), Met, and threonine (Thr) averaged 72.81 %, 82.41 %, and 69.76 %, respectively.

Conclusions

There was great variability in chemical composition especially in the concentration of EE, NDF and ADF, but no significant differences in energy content of the DLRSM samples were observed. In addition, the AID and SID of all AA were relatively similar among DLRSM samples except for that of Lys.     

Chemical composition,energy and amino acid digestibility in double-low rapeseed meal fed to growing pigs

Background:The nutritional value of rapeseed meal may be variable due to the variation of its chemical composition.And a precise understanding of the nutritional value of an ingredient is beneficial for the accurate diet formulation and reduction of feed costs.This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition,digestible energy(DE) and metabolizable energy(ME) content,and apparent ileal digestibility(AID) and standardized ileal digestibility(SID) of amino acids(AA) for growing pigs.Thirteen solvent-extracted double-low rapeseed meal(DLRSM) samples were obtained from the main double-low rapeseed producing areas in China.Methods:The DE and ME contents of the 13 DLRSM samples were measured in growing pigs(six pigs per DLRSM sample,average initial body weight(BW) = 48.3 kg).The AID and SID of AA of 10 DLRSM samples were determined in 12 crossbred barrows(average initial BW = 35.3 kg) by using two 6x6 Latin square designs.Each Latin square comprised one N-free diet and 5 DLRSM test diets.Results:The chemical composition of DLRSM varied among samples,and the coefficient of variation was greater than 10%for ether extract(EE),neutral detergent fiber(NDF),acid detergent fiber(ADF),calcium(Ca),and total glucosinolates.The AA content of DLRSM varied among samples especially for lysine(Lys) and methionine(Met).On a dry matter(DM) basis,the apparent total tract digestibility(ATTD) of gross energy(GE),the DE and ME and the ME:DE ratio of DLRSM averaged 62.39%,2862 kcal/kg and 2723 kcal/kg,and 94.95%,respectively.The mean value of SID of Lys was 70.52% which varied from 66.54-76.54%.The SID of crude protein(CP),Met,and threonine(Thr) averaged 72.81%,82.41%,and 69.76%,respectively.Conclusions:There was great variability in chemical composition especially in the concentration of EE,NDF and ADF,but no significant differences in energy content of the DLRSM samples were observed.In addition,the AID and SID of all AA were relatively similar among DLRSM samples except for that of Lys.     

Blood and milk status of vitamin E,vitamin A,and selenium in nursing Awassi ewes injected with vitamin E and selenium

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of vitamin E and selenium (Se) injections on concentrations of vitamin E, vitamin A, and Se in blood and milk to predict when injections may improve ewes’ performance. Awassi ewes received 0 (control, 13 ewes) or 15 plus 0.05?mg/kg BW of vitamin E and Se (injected, 15 ewes) at 1 and 4 weeks postpartum. Blood and milk samples were collected weekly for 6 weeks. Injections increased vitamin E, decreased Se, and had no effects on vitamin A levels in blood. Blood vitamin E was correlated positively with vitamin A. Injections increased vitamin E, but had no effects on vitamin A or Se levels in milk. Milk vitamin A was positively correlated with vitamin E and Se levels in the control group. Milk vitamins E and A were positively correlated with their corresponding levels in blood. Milk somatic cell count was negatively correlated with blood vitamin A levels.     

Survey of the status of copper, interacting minerals, and vitamin E levels in the livers of sheep in Ontario

Livers from cull ewes and market lambs raised in Ontario were obtained to determine the status of specific minerals and vitamin E. Values for copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) obtained by atomic absorption and inductively coupled plasma--atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) were found to be statistically different but sufficiently biologically similar to allow the use of ICP-AES for screening groups of samples for deficient or toxic levels of those minerals. Toxic levels of cadmium were not found. Toxic levels of aluminum were found in 1 cull ewe and 1 market lamb. A significant proportion of both market lamb samples (40.0%) and cull ewe samples (50.0%) had high to toxic levels of Cu. In market lambs, Fe, Mn, molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and Zn were not found to be important determinants of Cu level. In cull ewes, Fe, Mn, and Zn play a moderate role in the variability of liver Cu levels. Selenium was found to be present at marginal levels in 3.3% of cull ewe samples and in 42.6% of market lamb samples. Vitamin E was found to be low to deficient in 10.0% of cull ewe samples and in 90.0% of market lamb samples. In market lambs, only Mo was associated with Se levels, and no minerals were associated with vitamin E levels. In cull ewes, there was a strong association between Se and vitamin E. This survey demonstrates that marked nutritional imbalances of Cu, Se, and vitamin E exist in cull ewes and market lambs in Ontario.     

Effects of modified tall oil and vitamin E on growth performance,carcass characteristics,and meat quality of growing-finishing pigs

Crossbred barrows (n = 72) were used to evaluate effects of diet supplementation with modified tall oil (MTO; 0.0 or 0.50%) and vitamin E (0, 22, or 110 IU/kg) on growth performance, carcass traits, and longissimus muscle (LM) quality traits of finishing pigs. Pigs were blocked by ancestry and initial BW and allotted randomly to treatments in a 2 x 3 factorial. Corn-soybean meal-based diets were fed in two phases: 45.5 to 81.6 (1.00% lysine) and 81.6 to 114.6 (0.75% lysine) kg BW with no added fat. From 45.5 to 81.6 kg, pigs fed MTO had greater ADG (P = 0.03) regardless of added vitamin E; otherwise, treatment did not affect growth performance. Carcasses from pigs fed MTO had reduced (P < 0.05) average backfat (2.76 vs 2.92 cm) and firmer bellies compared to those fed no MTO. Boneless loins were cut into 2.54-cm chops at 7 d postmortem and evaluated for display color, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance (TBARS), Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), and sensory panel ratings. Visual color was similar (P > 0.05) among treatments at 0 and 1 d of display. At 4 and 6 d of display chops from pigs fed MTO with 110 IU vitamin E/kg had less deterioration (P < 0.05) than chops from pigs fed MTO with 0 IU vitamin E/kg and 0.0% MTO with 22 or 110 IU vitamin E/kg. The CIE L*, a*, b* and spectral values also suggested a delay in color deterioration for chops from pigs fed MTO with 110 IU vitamin E/kg. At 6 and 8 d of display, chops from pigs fed 110 IU vitamin E/kg had lower (P < 0.05) L* values than those from pigs fed 0 or 22 IU vitamin E/kg, and higher (P < 0.05) a* values than those from pigs fed 0 IU vitamin E/kg feed. A higher (P < 0.05) %R630/%R580 (indicator of more oxymyoglobin) was observed for chops from pigs fed MTO with 110 IU vitamin E/kg than those from pigs fed 0.0% MTO with 22 or 110 IU vitamin E/kg and MTO with 0 IU vitamin E/kg. Chops from pigs fed MTO with 110 IU vitamin E/kg had lower (P < 0.05) TBARS values than those from pigs fed MTO with 0 IU vitamin E/kg. No differences (P > 0.05) were detected among treatments for WBSF or sensory evaluations. The addition of MTO in swine diets improved belly firmness and reduced backfat, and feeding MTO with high levels of vitamin E extended display life without affecting palatability of LM chops.     

Study of immune response in pigs fed with high vitamin E-dosages

The effects of long-term vitamin E-supplementation on phagocytic cells, lymphocyte sub-populations, and SWC3+ cell count were studied in pigs. Eighteen weaned pigs were divided into three groups: 1) 100 mg DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate/kg diet, 2) 200 mg DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate/kg diet, 3) control group (basic feed with 10 mg DL-alpha tocopheryl acetate/kg diet). The examination of the immune indices was performed on day 120 of feeding the supplemented diets. The higher dietary levels of vitamin E resulted in increased serum concentration of alpha-tocopherol for both experimental groups (p < 0.05) and there were no significant differences in counts of CD2+, CD4+, CD8+, B lymphocytes nor SWC3+ cells among the groups. Similarly, vitamin E supplementation did not affect the functions of phagocytic cells tested.     

Dietary green tea polyphenols do not affect vitamin E status,antioxidant capacity and meat quality of growing pigs

Supplementation of pigs with vitamin E, the most important lipid-soluble antioxidant, has been shown to improve meat quality and animal health. Previous studies in cultured cells and laboratory animals indicate synergistic effects between polyphenols and vitamin E. The present feeding trial was undertaken to investigate the effects of dietary green tea polyphenols (GTP) on vitamin E status, antioxidative capacity and parameters of meat quality in growing pigs. Eighteen castrated, crossbred, male pigs received a flavonoid-poor diet based on corn starch, caseinate and rapeseed oil with a total vitamin E content of 17 IU/kg diet over a period of 5 weeks. This basal diet was supplemented with green tea extract to provide daily doses of 0 (control), 10 and 100 mg GTP/kg body weight. Dietary supplementation of growing pigs with GTP did not affect serum, liver, lung and muscle vitamin E (α- and γ-tocopherol) concentrations, plasma antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing ability of plasma, trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity) or parameters of meat quality including meat temperature, pH, conductivity, colour and drip loss. In conclusion, supplementation of pig diets with green tea catechins is not associated with improved antioxidant status and meat quality under practice-oriented conditions.     

茶多酚对生长猪机体维生素E状态、抗氧化性能及肉质的影响

日粮添加维生素E对降低动物脂质过氧化具有重要作用,可以改善动物肉品质及动物健康状况。本试验在日粮中添加不同水平的茶多酚,研究其对生长猪维生素E状态、血浆抗氧化性能及肉质的影响。选择240头平均体重为(31.24±0.48)kg的三元猪,随机分为3组,每组4个重复,每个重复20头猪。试验共设计3种日粮,对照组饲喂基础日粮,处理组在基础日粮中分别添加10和100 mg/kg茶多酚,试验共进行5周。结果显示:各处理组对生长猪试验初期和末期血浆总抗氧化力和铁还原力均无显著影响(P> 0.05),但对照组、10和100 mg/kg茶多酚添加组血浆试验末期铁还原力均显著高于试验初期(P <0.05)。日粮添加茶多酚对生长猪肝脏、肌肉、血浆α-生育酚和γ-生育酚含量均无显著影响(P> 0.05),其中肝脏生育酚含量最高,之后依次是肌肉、肺和血浆。日粮添加10或100 mg/kg茶多酚,肺中α-生育酚和γ-生育酚含量较对照组有提高趋势(P=0.09)。各组对生长猪肉质均无显著影响(P> 0.05)。日粮添加100 mg/kg茶多酚较对照组提高了生长猪屠宰后48 h肌肉的滴水损失。综上所述:生长猪日粮添加茶多酚对组织维生素E水平、血浆抗氧化力及肌肉品质无显著改善作用。     

Effects of vitamin E and different energy sources on vitamin E status, milk quality and reproduction in transition cows

We investigated whether vitamin E supplementation and supplemental energy sources (fat or starch) influenced plasma and milk levels of vitamin E, and reproductive and other parameters in 28 Italian Friesian multiparous dry cows. From 14 days before expected calving to 7 days after, the animals were assigned to either basal diet (containing 1000 IU/day of vitamin E) or an extra 1000 IU/day of vitamin E (total 2000 IU). In addition they received either 0.5 kg/day of corn or 0.2 kg/day of calcium soaps. Plasma samples were collected 4 days before expected calving and 4 days after calving and analysed for alpha-tocopherol and cholesterol. Milk yield as well as the composition, somatic cell count (SCC) and alpha-tocopherol of milk were determined 7 and 14 days after calving. Milk yield and composition were unaffected by treatments. SCC was significantly lower in (SCC Log 4.62 versus Log 5.1, P < 0.01) 2000 IU/day animals than in the 1000 IU/day group. Milk alpha-tocopherol was higher (P < 0.001) in animals receiving 2000 IU/day (1.11 vs. 0.65 microgram/ml, P < 0.01). Plasma alpha-tocopherol in animals receiving 2000 IU/day was also higher (P < 0.001) than in cows receiving 1000 IU/day (4.85 vs. 3.25 micrograms/ml), but was not affected by dietary energy source. Number of services and days to conception were lower (P < 0.01) in the 2000 IU vitamin E supplemented cows. To conclude, dietary vitamin E supplementation to periparturient dairy cows increased plasma and milk vitamin E, decreased SCC in milk, and improved fertility but different energy sources had no effect on any measured variable.     

Plasma vitamin A status in calves fed colostrum from cows that were fed vitamin A during late pregnancy

Calves are born vitamin A and β‐carotene deficient and the β‐carotene conversion to vitamin A is limited. Colostrum, contains relatively large amounts of vitamin A and β‐carotene and the retinol and β‐carotene status of calves can be normalized with colostrum consumption. We studied whether vitamin A supplementation of cows during late gestation (dry period) increases cow plasma retinol concentrations, the retinol content of first colostrum, and the plasma vitamin A status of calves during their first month of life. Both plasma and colostrum retinol concentrations were higher in vitamin A supplemented cows than in non‐supplemented cows. In calves that were for 5 days fed colostrum (milk) from vitamin A‐supplemented cows and then mature milk, plasma retinol concentrations were higher from 14 to 30 days after birth than in calves that were fed colostrum (milk) from cows that were not vitamin A supplemented. The study shows that vitamin A supplementation of cows during the dry period can improve the vitamin A status of their calves up to 1 month, if calves ingest their colostrum/milk for up to 5 days.     

Cellular immune responses in pigs fed a vitamin E- and selenium-deficient diet.

The effects of dietary restriction of vitamin E (Vit E) and selenium (Se) on lymphocyte proliferation, natural killer (NK) cell activity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), and on burst respiratory response of stimulated granulocytes as measured by chemiluminescence (CL) were studied in pigs. Six male weanling pigs were maintained for 25 d on a torula yeast-based diet containing no measurable amount of alpha-tocopherol and less than .02 mg of Se per kilogram of feed. Six others received the same basal diet supplemented with 33 IU of DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate and .2 mg of Se per kilogram of feed. All pigs were inoculated with Salmonella typhisuis on d 21 of the feeding period and killed on d 25. Tests to measure cellular immune functions were performed on cells isolated from blood samples taken on d 21 and 25. After 21 d of feeding, lymphocyte blastogenesis responses to phytohemagglutinin, concanavalin A, and pokeweed mitogen in pigs fed the Vit E- and Se-deficient diet were normal compared with the response in pigs fed the supplemented diet. Moreover, the cytotoxic activity of NK cells, the ADCC response, and the CL response of granulocytes were not affected. After 25 d, a marked suppression of lymphocyte response to mitogens occurred in pigs fed the Vit E- and Se-deficient diet when the cells were cultured in the presence of autologous serum. When fetal bovine serum replaced autologous serum in the cultures, no suppression was observed. No effect on NK activity and ADCC was observed, whereas the CL peak response of granulocytes tended to be higher in pigs fed the deficient diet.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)