Effect of age and acetato DL-alfa-tocoferol supplementation on the vitamin E sera levels and on the proteinogram of calve

Abstract

The aim of this report was the evaluation of age and oral DL-alfa- tocopherol acetate supplemental effects on the vitamin E sera levels, and on the proteinogram of Jersey calves from birth to 45 days of age. Fourteen calves were divided in two groups of seven animals each. One group received daily 2g of oral DL-alfa-tocopherol acetate, until 45 days of life and the control group did not receive any oral supplementation. Serum blood samples were collected at birth, 5, 10, 20, 30 and 45 days old. Serum vitamin E determination and serum protein detection were evaluated. The highest concentrations of globulins were observed after colostrum ingestion, with a small reduction at 30 days and increasing again afterwards. For the albumin fraction, a small increase was observed from birth to 45 days old. The occurrence of the immune passive transfer fail was observed in a single animal (7.3%) which was diagnosed by the low serum protein concentration < 5.0 g/dL after colostrum ingestion. It was an animal from treatment group, and it was well recovery after 20 days old when it presented the serum protein concentration according to its age which suggested a vitamin E beneficial action. It was concluded that the oral 2g/d/VO supplementation with DL-alfa-tocopherol acetate, from birth to 45 days old increased the serum vitamin E levels significantly in calves.