Effects of Feeding α-Tocopherol and Calcium Salts of Fatty Acids on Vitamin E and Fatty Acid Composition of Cow's Milk

Abstract

Four experiments were carried out with Holstein cows in early lactation to assess the effect of feeding, 0, 50, and 400 IU of vitamin E/kg of DM on transfer of vitamin E to milk fat. The effects of adding 50g of calcium salts of fatty acids/kg of DM on DM intake, milk production, and milk quality also were studied. Feeding of 10g of vitamin E (dl-α-tocopheryl acetate) per cow daily for 4 wk prepartum and about 8g daily (400 IU/kg of dietary DM) for wk 1 to 8 of lactation maintained 40 to 54μg of vitamin E/g of milk fat. Transfer of vitamin E to milk in early lactation was impaired, and the causes for this are discussed. Feeding calcium salts of fatty acids had a tendency to reduce DM intake and decreased protein and lactose content of milk in one experiment. This treatment had little effect on fatty acid composition and vitamin E content of milk fat in early lactation, but after peak production it increased oleic and linoleic acids in milk fat.