Effect of vitamin E suplementation on the health status and production capabilities of high producing diary cows

Abstract

Concerning the importance of vitamin E in the nutrition of high-producing cows, a review of the recent available literature was done (for its chemical characteristics, metabolism, content in the feedstuffs and the effects of its use upon the cows health status and production capabilities). As a result of the achieved knowledge for the vitamin E role in the cows nutrition, new norms were worked out. The values of these norms are connected to the cows' production phase and they are as follows: 1000 mg/day - from the drying period (60-70 days before calving) to 3rd week before calving; 3000 mg/day - 3 weeks before and 4 weeks after calving (transition phase); 1000 mg/day - 5 to 10 weeks after calving; 500 mg/day - from the 11-th week of lactation until the drying period. The enlarged amount of vitamin E in the transition phase is important for the reduction of infective and metabilism diseases, i.e. it is important for the cows immunologic system. It decreases the risks connected to the mastitis appearance and improves the reproductive function as well.

Keywords

• vitamin E
• high-producing cows
• nutrition