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Vitamin E is Immunostimulatory in Calves^{1, 2,}

Departments of Animal Sciences and Industry and Laboratory Medicine, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506

ABSTRACT

Thirty-two Holstein heifer calves, eight per group, were fed 0, 125, 250, or 500 IU/d of supplemental vitamin E/calf, from birth to 24 wk of age, in order to determine the effect on their immune responses. Overall mean lymphocyte blastogenic responses to various T-cell and B-cell mitogens were higher in supplemented calves than in control calves. Mean concentrations of cortisol in serum were lower in all supplemented calves than in control calves. Antibovine herpesvirus type 1 antibody titer (IgG) at 8 and 9 wk, in response to a commercial modified-live intranasal vaccine at 7 wk, was similar in all treatment groups. At 24 wk, in response to a booster at 21 wk, titer was higher in calves given 125 IU of vitamin E/d than in control calves. Based on the concentrations used, it is concluded that supplementation of conventional rations with 125 IU of vitamin E/d may maximize immune responses in calves and may be cost effective.

¹ Contribution 86-502-J, Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Manhattan 66506.

² Supported in part by Hoffmann-La Roche, Inc., Nutley, NJ 07110.