Effect of supplementing periparturient cows with vitamin E on distribution of alpha-tocopherol in blood.
Holstein cows were fed 0 or 1000 IU/d of supplemental vitamin E during the dry period and injected with placebo or 3000 IU of vitamin E at 10 and 5 d prior to anticipated calving. Blood was collected at various times, starting at 60 d prepartum (dry off) and concluding 30 d postpartum, and separated into plasma, red blood cells, and neutrophils. Oral supplementation increased concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in plasma and red blood cells on 10 d, but not on 5 d prepartum. Injection of vitamin E increased alpha-tocopherol in plasma, red blood cells, and neutrophils at d 5 prior to and on the day of parturition. Concentrations of alpha-tocopherol and cholesterol in plasma were correlated, and both were at their nadir at parturition. Concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in plasma and red blood cells were correlated, but the correlation increased when plasma alpha-tocopherol was expressed per unit of cholesterol. alpha-Tocopherol in plasma and neutrophils had a low correlation. Injection of alpha-tocopherol increased its concentration in plasma, red blood cells, and neutrophils during the periparturient period. Concentration of alpha-tocopherol in plasma of periparturient cows may be limited by its low lipid content, and transport mechanisms for alpha-tocopherol may differ between red blood cells and neutrophils.
Weiss
W P
WP
Department of Dairy Science, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, Ohio State University, Wooster 44691.
Hogan
J S
JS
Smith
K L
KL
Todhunter
D A
DA
Williams
S N
SN
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle / Q000097:blood*; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003126:Colostrum / Q000378:metabolism; D004032:Diet; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000378:metabolism; D011247:Pregnancy; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood*
D014810:Vitamin E; D002784:Cholesterol