Carotenoid and tocopherol levels in the serum of apparently healthy dairy cattle

Abstract

Total carotenoids, β-carotene and α-tocopherol concentrations were determined in serum from healthy dairy cattle of various ages, grazing good quality pasture, in different areas of New South Wales. The relationships of these components with each other and with age of the animal were examined.Mean serum β-carotene concentrations for heifers and cows were 0·68 and 1·20mg/100ml, respectively. These concentrations were somewhat higher than those found for calves (0·20mg/100ml) and weaners (0·37 mg/100 ml). Total corresponding carotenoid values were generally about 20% higher than those for β-carotene for herds.Mean serum α-tocopherol concentrations for heifers and cows were 0·54 and 0·90 mg/100ml, respectively. Again, these values were higher than those found for calves (0·22 mg/100 ml) and weaners (0·37 mg/100 ml).There was a close relationship between serum α-tocopherol and β-carotene (r=0·90), between serum α-tocopherol and total carotenoids (r=0·92), and between serum β-carotene and total carotenoids (r= 0·99).