The Influence of Tocopherols and Cod-Liver Oil on Milk and Fat Production

Abstract

Feeding 1 g. of natural mixed tocopherols daily to dairy cows during both winter and pasture feeding for periods of 4-5 weeks had no significant influence on milk or fat production. However, feeding 5 oz. of cod-liver oil daily to cows during winter feeding decreased the butterfat percentage approx. 14%, but increased the total milk production 6%. Tocopherol supplementation did not counteract the butterfat depressing effect of cod-liver oil. The tocopherol content of the milk fat and blood plasma was increased by feeding tocopherols, but was decreased by feeding cod-liver oil. Cod-liver oil had a depressing effect on the carotene content of the milk fat and blood plasma, but this was counteracted somewhat by feeding tocopherols with the cod-liver oil. The vitamin A content of the milk fat and blood plasma was increased by feeding cod-liver oil.