Effect of Dietary Vitamin E on Immune Responses of Calves

Abstract

The effect of vitamin E on humoral and cell-mediated immune responses in calves was determined, and plasma vitamin E and immunological status of calves under normal herd management were studied. Twelve newborn calves were fed skimmed colostrum for 2 days and thereafter skimmed milk plus vitamin E-stripped lard and emulsifying agents. Six calves orally received 0, and 6 calves orally received 1 g of DL-.alpha.-tocopherol acetate daily. Rations were supplemented with trace minerals and vitamins A and D. Twenty calves were fed colostrum for 3 days and thereafter milk and dry feed. At 6 wk, mean plasma vitamin E concentrations ( .mu.g/100 ml) for groups were 71, 639 and 155, respectively; mean serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase concentrations (IU/liter) were 320, 61 and 43, respectively. Mean serum Ig concentrations (mg/100 ml) were: G1, 1079, 1168 and 1315; G2, 488, 562 and 432; A, 37, 53 and 85; M, 151, 118 and 110. Mean lymphocyte stimultion indexes were 76, 220 and 152, respectively. At 6 wk there were large but nonsignificant differences in mean indexes among groups.