beta-Carotene, Retinol and alpha-Tocopherol Status in Calves Fed the First Colostrum at 0–2, 6-7, 12-13 or 24-25 Hours after Birth

Abstract

Effects on beta-carotene, retinol and alpha-tocopherol status of feeding 1st colostrum at 0-2, 6-7, 12-13 and 24-25 h after birth were studied in calves. beta-carotene, retinol and alpha-tocopherol concentrations decreased in colostrum during the first 2.5 d of lactation. Plasma beta-carotene, retinol and alpha-tocopherol concentrations in newborn calves were very low. Plasma beta-carotene concentrations increased up to d 3 after the 1st meal and during the 1st month were higher in calves fed 1st colostrum at < 6-7 h than at > 12-13 h after birth. Plasma retinol concentrations increased up to d 5 after the 1st meal and were higher during the 1st month in calves fed 1st colostrum at < 12-13 h than at > 24-25 h after birth, whereas hepatic concentrations increased up to d 5 independent of time of 1st colostrum feeding. Plasma alpha-tocopherol concentrations increased after the 1st meal except in calves fed 1st colostrum at 24-25 h after birth and were higher during the 1st month in calves fed the 1st colostrum at 6-7 h than at 24-25 h after birth. In conclusion, delaying 1st colostrum intake by more than 12-13 h after birth impaired the plasma beta-carotene, retinol and alpha-tocopherol status during the 1st month of life, but did not negatively influence hepatic retinol concentrations.

Effects of oral supplementation with β‐carotene on concentrations of β‐carotene, vitamin A and α‐tocopherol in plasma, colostrum and milk of mares and plasma of their foals and on fertility in mares

“…In contrast to concentrations in plasma, vitamin A concentrations were markedly elevated in colostrum. This indicates an active transfer of vitamin A from plasma into colostrum, but in contrast to calves (Blum et al., 1997; Zanker et al., 2000; Puvogel et al., 2008) colostrum uptake was not followed by a clear increase in vitamin A concentrations in plasma of foals.…”

Nutritional physiology of neonatal calves*

“…Based on our studies, after intake of colostrum there is a rise of blood plasma concentrations of IgG 1 , Lf, total protein, albumin, essential amino acids and an impressive decrease of the glutamine/glutamate ratio. Plasma urea concentrations increase if high amounts of colostrum are fed and plasma glucose concentrations increase with a delay of several days; additionally there is a rise of plasma lipids (triglycerides, phospholipids‐lipids, total cholesterol and essential fatty acids) and of β ‐carotene, vitamins A and E. On the other hand, there are no marked or immediate changes of minerals or plasma concentrations of creatinine, lactate and nitrate (Ronge and Blum, 1988; Blum et al., 1997,2001; Hadorn et al., 1997; Hadorn and Blum, 1997; Egli and Blum, 1998; Hammon and Blum, 1998b, 1999; Hammon et al., 2000, 2002; Kühne et al., 2000; Zanker et al., 2000a,b, 2001a,b; Nussbaum et al., 2002; Schiessler et al., 2002; Muri et al., 2005). Because many other substances, especially proteins and peptides (Michanek and Ventorp, 1989) besides IgG 1 are absorbed intestinally and appear in the circulation (as shown for Lf even in the cerebrospinal fluid of neonatal calves) (Harada and Takeuchi, 2002; Talkuder et al., 2003), functional effects can be expected.…”

“…Intake of colostrum within the first 12 h after birth is important for normal plasma concentrations of β ‐carotene and vitamins A and E (Blum et al., 1997; Zanker et al., 2000b). If cows were fed vitamin A supplements during the dry period, plasma retinol concentrations in their colostrum and in plasma of their calves were increased up to 30 days p.n.…”

“…Blum, unpublished observations), indicating that early and sufficient vitamin A intake largely determines the plasma vitamin A status. Decreased intake and absorption of essential fatty acids and fat‐soluble (pro‐) vitamins ( β ‐carotene, A, E), and possibly changes in transport proteins if calves are not fed colostrum on the first day of life seem to be responsible for an impaired status of plasma essential fatty acid and β ‐carotene, and vitamins A and E (Blum et al., 1997; Zanker et al., 2000b; Muri et al., 2005). On the other hand, in neonatal calves the status of plasma 25(OH)D, 24,25(OH) 2 D and 25,26(OH) 2 D, but not of 1,25(OH) 2 D, depends on the status of the dam (Goff et al., 1982).…”

Effect of pre‐partum supplementation of vitamin E to Murrah buffaloes on immune functions and viability of calves

“…(1997)observed an increase in the α‐tocopherol concentration of colostrum from 5.3 to 7.5–10.49 mg/g of milk upon supplementation of vitamin E at 700–4000 IU/day to dry cows. Zanker et al. (2000) reported that delaying first colostrum intake by more than 12–13 h after birth impaired plasma α‐tocopherol status during the first month of life.…”