Abstract
Plasma α-tocopherol (vit E) and blood selenium (Se) concentrations in February were determined in samples from 314 dairy cows in Norway, selected to provide a representative subset of the Norwegian dairy cow population. Each sample was followed by a questionnaire with information about feeding of the cow at the time of sampling. The results were correlated to herd data and to calving and health data for each cow from the Norwegian Dairy Herd Recording System and the Norwegian Cattle Health Recording System. The mean concentrations were 6.9 μg vit E per ml plasma and 0.16 μg Se per g blood. Both levels were highest in mid lactation. Plasma vit E varied with the amount of silage fed to the cow, while blood Se varied with the amount of concentrates and mineral supplements, and with geographical region. No differences in vit E or Se levels were found between cows with recorded treatments for mastitis, parturient paresis or reproductive disorders in the lactation during or immediately prior to sampling, and those without such treatments. For ketosis, a small difference in blood Se was found between the groups with or without recorded treatments. It is concluded that winter-fed lactating cows in Norway had an adequate plasma level of vit E and a marginal-to-adequate level of Se.
Highlights
The general significance of adequate vitamin E and selenium (Se) levels in bovine nutrition is well documented (Underwood & Suttle 1999)
Vitamin E and selenium status of Norwegian cows Because of the weighted and randomised selection of cows to be sampled, the mean plasma vit E and blood Se concentrations found in this study can be used as estimates of the true mean concentrations in the Norwegian dairy cow population, in February 1992
The average plasma vit E level observed in our study was 1-2 μg/ml higher than the levels reported by Pehrson & Hakkarainen (1986) in healthy lactating winter-fed cows in Sweden, and more than three times above the average found by Miller et al (1995) in dairy cows in Ohio in winter
Summary
The general significance of adequate vitamin E (vit E) and selenium (Se) levels in bovine nutrition is well documented (Underwood & Suttle 1999). The practical importance of vit E and Se status for mastitis resistance and reproductive function in cows is more controversial (Radostits et al 2000). Vit E and Se deficiency problems are well known in Norway (Frøslie et al 1980). A previous study of 64 Norwegian dairy herds showed a substantial fraction at marginal Se levels (Ropstad et al 1987). Except for a recent study in 14 organic dairy farms (Govasmark et al 2005), systematic investigations of plasma vit E levels in dairy cattle have not been previously published in Norway. The Norwegian Cattle Health Recording System has been in operation since 1975
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