EFFECT OF VITAMIN-E ON SOME LEUKOCYTIC PARAMETERS AND FUNCTIONS IN TRANSPORTED CALVES

The objective of this investigation was to determine the effect of vit amin E administration on leucocyte parameters and some of their functi ons in transported calves. In the study 8 calves, aged approx. 10 days , divided into two groups, were used. 20 mg of tocopheryl-acetate per kg body weight were administered orally to each of the 4 experimental calves 24 hours before loading. The calves were transported by road fo r 3 hours. Blood samples collected before and after the transportation were examined for total and differential leucocyte counts, T-lymphocy te subpopulation, phagocytic activity, leucocyte migration, serum immu noglobulin levels, and for plasma vitamin E and cortisol levels. The a nimals showed a leucocytosis with neutrophilia and lymphopenia after t ransportation. The administration of vitamin E led to a decrease of co rtisol level in 24 hours. There was no difference between groups in co rtisol reaction due to transportation stress. Leucocyte migration has been less inhibited in the control group after unloading. A mild decli ne in phagocytic activity was observed 3 hours after transportation. S erum immunoglobulins were unaffected by both vitamin E administration and transportation. Vitamin E had no significant effect on leucocyte f unction and cortisol levels in present study.