Properties of the Colostrum of the Dairy Cow. IV. Effect of Form of Vitamin A and of Tocopherol Supplements on Concentrations of Vitamin A and Carotenoids

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Abstract
A study was made of the relative effects of prepartal supplements of various amts. of tocopherols and also large quantities of vit. A ester, vit. A alcohol and vit. A alcohol plus tocopherols on vit. A and carotenoid concns. of colostrum and early milk of dairy cows fed typical barn rations. Wide individual variations within the dietary groups were observed. The differences that were found in vit. A contents of colostrum and early milk from the various groups of cows could not be ascribed to form or combination of supplements given. Addition of tocopherols alone did not substantially increase vit. A content of the mammary secretions. The use of supplements had no significant effect on carotenoid levels of colostrum and early milk.