EFFECTS OF SUPPLEMENTAL VITAMIN-E AND VITAMIN-C ON THE IMMUNE-RESPONSES OF CALVES

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of oral supplem entation of vitamin C and vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), alone and in c ombination, on immune responses of calves. In Experiment 1, 18 Holstei n newborn female calves were supplemented with 0, 1, and 2 g/d of vita min C from birth to 6 wk of age. Concentrations of ascorbic acid in bl ood plasma were significantly higher for supplemented calves than for control calves. No significant differences among treatments occurred i n the concentrations of IgG(1), IgG(2), and titer to keyhole limpet he mocyanin. In Experiment 2, effects of oral supplementation of vitamins E and C on immune responses were studied using 18 Holstein female cal ves. Concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in blood plasma were significa ntly higher for supplemented than for control calves. The concentratio ns increased from birth to wk 1, and then very Little change occurred from wk 1 to 6. Differences among treatments in the concentrations of IgG(1), IgG(2), IgM, and titer to keyhole limper hemocyanin were not s ignificant; however, concentrations of IgM in calves supplemented with vitamins E and C generally tended to be higher than those of control calves. Antibodies to keyhole limpet hemocyanin were higher at 6 wk th an at 4 wk of age.