Ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate as a source of ascorbic acid for dairy cattle

Studies were performed to determine the suitability of ascorbyl-2-polyphosp hate as a source of ascorbic acid for dairy heifers. After ascorbyl-2-polyp hosphate was fed for 31 d at a rate of 80 g/head/d there was a significant increase in plasma levels of the test vs control animals, 4.56 and 3.58 mg/ l respectively (p<0.05). Biopsies of the biceps femoris also showed increas ed ascorbic acid levels of the test group at p=0.08 level of significance. The plasma level of ascorbic acid in the test animals was positively correl ated to the muscle levels (p<0.05). Ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate did not alter neutrophil ascorbic acid content or the plasma levels of copper, zinc or ir on.