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Vitamin E and selenium concentrations in month-old beef calves.
John Maas1, Bruce R Hoar, Daniel M Myers
1Veterinary Medicine Extension, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 1325 Surge III, Davis, CA, 95616, USA. jmaas@ucdavis.edu
Summary
Beef cows on dry grasslands supplemented with vitamin E and selenium (Se) had lower plasma vitamin E and higher blood Se than those on irrigated pastures. Calf nutrient levels reflected maternal status.
Area of Science:
- Animal Nutrition
- Veterinary Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vitamin E and selenium (Se) are critical antioxidants for beef cattle health.
- Nutrient management, including pasture type and supplementation, influences animal status.
- Understanding the transfer of these nutrients from cows to calves is essential for optimal calf health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of different management systems on plasma vitamin E and blood selenium (Se) concentrations in beef cows and their calves.
- To determine the correlation between maternal and calf vitamin E and Se status.
- To identify potential deficiencies in calves based on maternal and calf nutrient levels.
Main Methods:
- Three groups of beef cow-calf pairs were studied under distinct management conditions: irrigated pasture (no supplementation), irrigated pasture (calves injected at birth), and dry grasslands (cows supplemented daily, calves injected at birth).
- Plasma vitamin E and blood Se concentrations were measured in cows and 1-month-old calves.
- Statistical analysis was used to compare nutrient concentrations between groups and assess correlations.
Main Results:
- Cows on irrigated pastures had significantly higher plasma vitamin E than those on dry grasslands.
- Cows on dry grasslands, supplemented with vitamin E and Se, showed significantly higher blood Se concentrations compared to cows on irrigated pastures.
- Calf Se levels strongly correlated with cow Se levels (r=0.965), and calf vitamin E moderately correlated with cow vitamin E (r=0.605). Calf vitamin E was consistently lower than cow levels, with many values indicating deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Management systems significantly impact vitamin E and Se status in beef cows and their calves.
- Maternal supplementation and pasture type influence calf nutrient status, with calf levels reflecting maternal levels.
- Calves, particularly those from cows on dry grasslands without adequate supplementation, may be at risk for vitamin E deficiency.