Abstract
Newborn Holstein calves were used to investigate responses to supplemental antioxidants provided in daily milk allotments. Treated calves assigned to receive daily 100 IU of d-α tocopherol (vitamin E), 5 mg of beta-carotene, and 500 mg of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) in a 5-ml carrier. Control calves received the carrier alone. Additional vitamins C and E and beta carotene did not affect weaning age, weekly or total body weight gain, or dry feed intake. Supplementation of these antioxidants affected bull and heifer calves scour scores differently at different birth weights. Antioxidant supplementation increased the severity of scours during the first week for bull and heifer calves and the second week for bull calves but decreased the severity for heifer calves during the second week.; Dairy Day, 1996, Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, 1996
Highlights
IntroductionResearchers have reported that the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene enhance immune functions and decrease the severity of scours
Newborn Holstein calves were used to investigate responses to supplemental antioxidants provided in daily milk allotments
Antioxidant supplementation increased the severity of scours during the first week for bull and heifer calves and the second week for bull calves but decreased the severity for heifer calves during the second week
Summary
Researchers have reported that the antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene enhance immune functions and decrease the severity of scours. Supplemental antioxidants may help overcome stresses to which newborn calves may be subjected, including poor housing environment, extended transportation, and changing environmental conditions. During incidents of disease or other stressful situations, requirements for antioxidants can exceed concentrations required for growth. Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene appear to interact with each other. Vitamin C regenerates vitamin E, and beta-carotene complements vitamin E and has been shown to increase immunocompetance. A limited understanding exists of the interrelationship of these antioxidants when all three are supplemented together. Our objective was to monitor production responses of newborn calves when supplemented with a combination of vitamins C and E and beta-carotene
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