Digestibility of α-tocopherol acetate in sheep

Abstract

The principle role of α-tocopherol is to protect the polyunsaturated fatty acids of membrane lipids against peroxidation. The biological activity of α-tocopherol is very important in meat quality. Supplementation of cattle and pig diets with α-tocopherol acetate results in the production of meat which has an extended shelf life, greater colour stability and reduced drip loss (Vega et al 1994, Monahan et al 1994). Supranutritional supplementation with quantities of α-tocopherol acetate as high as 4000 mg d-1 have been reported in cattle (Arnold et al 1993). These high levels of supplementation have been shown to improve meat quality significantly. However, it is not clear if all of this α-tocopherol is absorbed or if the absorption of α-tocopherol becomes saturated leading to excretion of unabsorbed α-tocopherol. The present study was designed to measure the digestibility of α-tocopherol acetate in sheep when given at moderate and high levels.