Vitamin E and C in the Blood Plasma of Cows and their Calves Fed from Buckets

Abstract

Bouda J., P. Jagos, R. Dvorak, J. Ondrova: Vitamin E and C in the Blood Plasma of Cows and their Calves Fedfrom Buckets. Acta vet. Brno, 49,1980: 53-58.The vitamin E and C levels were studied in the blood plasma and colostrum of 40 cows and in the blood plasma of their calves until the age of 3 months. The assays were made in winter. The vitamin E levels prior to and after parturition did not show appreciable differences while the vitamin C levels prior to parturition were significantly lower. The vitamin E concentration in the first milk surpassed ca. 2.5 times that found in the plasma of the dams.In the newborn calves ca. 5 times lower vitamin E plasma content was estimated than in their mothers. This amount increased gradually with ageing of the calves from the original 114 ,ug/l00 ml prior to feeding colostrum up to 250 ,ug/l00 ml at the age of 3 months. The vitamin E levels of the 3-month old calves did not reach half the values found in their mothers. The vitamin E protects the vitamin A from oxidation and it contributes to formation of antibodies. Therefore it seems reasonable to enrich the food (milk) for calves in the first days of life.Highest vitamin C level in the blood plasma of calves was found in the first days after birth. Low vitamin C levels were then determined in the 6-week old and 3-month old calves, i. e. in the period of high incidence of the respiratory syndrome.

Concentrations of vitamin C in plasma and milk of dairy cattle

“…It was, however, lower (P < 0.01) than the variation within days, which is in agreement with the study reported by Bouda et al (1980). It is suggested that in the calf, ascorbic acid concentration is an indication of its current metabolic situation and, therefore, subject to greater fluctuation.…”

“…It is probable that the ascorbic acid synthesizing ability is missing or is insufficient during the early postnatal period (Palludan and Wegger, 1984). This assumption is supported by Smirnov (1962) and Bouda et al (1980). Therefore, some form of vitamin C supplementation may be beneficial to newborn calves to enhance resistance to infectious diseases.…”

“…The measurement of plasma levels of ascorbic acid is the most commonly used and practical procedure for determining vitamin C nutritional status in individuals or population groups (Sauberlich, 1975). Calves are born with a high plasma ascorbic acid content, which drops significantly in the postnatal period (Bouda et al, 1980). Low blood plasma levels of vitamin C have been found in young calves suffering from respiratory infection (Jago&scaron;et al, 1977) and skin lesions (Scott, 1991 ).…”

“…Calves are born with a high plasma ascorbic acid content, which drops significantly in the postnatal period (Bouda et al, 1980). Low blood plasma levels of vitamin C have been found in young calves suffering from respiratory infection (Jago&scaron;et al, 1977) and skin lesions (Scott, 1991 ). Cummins and Brunner (1991) reported the association of housing type with decreased plasma ascorbic acid and to a reduced immune response to a specific antigen.…”

Correlação entre ácido ascórbico plasmático, contagem de células somáticas no leite e o perfil metabólico de vacas secas e em lactação

“…Os bezerros não sintetizam ácido ascórbico até aproximadamente 4 meses após o nascimento. Os maiores níveis plasmáticos são detectados no dia do nascimento, antes da amamentação, diminuindo nas duas semanas seguintes, quando então se estabiliza devido ao início da síntese endógena (LUNDQUIST e PHILLIPS, 1942;BOUDA et al 1980). Nos animais dependentes de ácido ascórbico de origem dietética, a absorção ocorre de forma similar à dos monossacarídeos, através de transporte ativo sódio-dependente, no intestino delgado (RIVERS, 1987).…”