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Properties of the Colostrum of the Dairy Cow. I. Tocopherol Levels in the Colostrum and in the Early Milk¹

Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Manhattan

ABSTRACT

Tocopherol levels were determined in the mammary secretions of dairy-cattle during the period of transformation from colostrum to normal milk. The limited data revealed no differences that could be attributed either to the breed or to the number of previous lactations.

For cows receiving tocopherols at 0, 0.5–1 g., and 10 g. levels of supplementation during the latter stages of gestation, the concentrations of these substances in the first colostrum were in the ratio of 1. 1.4, and 4.5, respectively. The average levels of tocopherols in the first colostrum from the same three groups were, respectively, 7, 9, and 12 times higher than in the milk on the eighth day.

The change in tocopherol concentration in colostric fat followed a logarithmic trend that was similar for each of the experimental groups. Cows on the higher plane of supplementation tended to maintain the initial rate of change over a longer period of time than did those on a lower level of tocopherol intake.

For the cow that was milked through the gestation period, tocopherol levels of the first postpartum secretions were much lower and the rate of decline was less than for cows having the normal dry-rest period. However, values for this cow were practically as high by the end of the colostric period (4 days) as were those of cows not receiving supplements of tocopherols but allowed the dry-rest period.

Calculations were made showing the quantities of tocopherol that a calf would receive during the colostric period through consuming colostrum from cows on the various levels of supplementation.

¹ Contribution no. 341, Department of Chemistry, and no. 170, Department of Dairy Husbandry

² Present address: Department of Animal Husbandry, Iowa State College, Ames.