The Effect of Method of Administration on the Absorption and Storage of Vitamin A by Dairy Calves

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Abstract
A natural ester vitamin A concentrate was fed by various methods to young dairy calves, previously depleted of vitamin A reserves, to determine relative efficiency of absorption and storage of vitamin A. Vitamin A in oil and vitamin A in oil plus an emulsifying agent (Tween 80) were administered in milk by nipple feeder and by capsule. Vitamin A absorption and storage, as measured by blood plasma vitamin A levels and by depletion time subsequent to vitamin A supplementation, were much greater from an aqueous dispersion than from an oily solution. There was an indication that administration of vitamin A in milk by nipple feeder resulted in more efficient utilization than administration by capsule. The point of deposition of a vitamin A supplement in the stomach of the dairy calf apparently has a greater effect upon the rate of absorption than upon efficiency of utilization of this vitamin.