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| Vitamin E in Calf Milk Replacers The "fertility vitamin" plays a role in disease prevention
Vitamin E is able to influence the immune status of an individual.
Immunity is the acquired condition of protection of an organism against specific causes of disease and is characterized by the presence of specific antibodies, in particular the immunoglobulins, and protection from defined infections. The immunoglobulins are a special group of proteins having antibody activity and occurring in both blood plasma and in other secretions and body fluids.
For the development of immunity the organism has an immune system which is distributed throughout it and in which the lymphocytes occupy a central position in the immune response. The lymphocytes primarily responsible for antibody synthesis are those which are formed in the thymus (T lymphocytes) and occupy the secondary lymph organs (B lymphcytes). Work by numerous researchers with elevated levels of vitamin E has shown a stimulating effect on antibody formation (levels in excess of requirements established to prevent signs of clinical deficiency). Research in most species of animals indicates that vitamins E and C function as in vivo antioxidants. These vitamins play an important role in allowing good health by preventing disease due to reduced immune function.
To supply these needs, manufacturers of milk replacers have for many years supplemented products with levels of vitamin E adequate to meet published requirements. Two recent research trials indicate both health and growth benefits by providing higher levels of supplemental vitamin E in the dairy milk replacer fed to calves.
Daily Vitamin E
TRIAL 2 - Evaluation of vitamin E levels in milk replacer fed calves
Daily Vitamin E
All calves received 22-20 calf milk replacer for 28 days. Based on the above data and other research supporting the health benefits to calves by supplementing vitamin E beyond traditional levels, many companies are choosing to increase their vitamin E specifications, despite the increased cost.
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