Effect of pre-partum supplementation of vitamin E to Murrah buffaloes on metabolic adaptation and growth performance of calves

Present study was undertaken in buffalo neonates born to vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate) -supplemented and non-supplemented Murrah buffaloes. Calves from vitamin E-supplemented buffaloes [n = 10; VeC (vitamin E-supplemented calves)] and non-supplemented buffaloes [n = 10; CC (control calves)) constituted the treatment and control groups respectively. Sampling of blood was done on day 0 (before colostrum feeding), 1,3,7,14,21,28,42,56,70,84,98,112 and 126 post birth and analyzed for various energy metabolites, hormones, enzymes and growth parameter. Glucose registered a rise at 24h in response to colostrum feeding and was significantly different (P<0.01) between groups and age. Precolostral plasma NEFA levels were high (P<0.05) in calves of both the groups at birth. The levels declined significantly (P <0.01) after colostrum feeding at 24h in VeC and CC. Plasma thyroidal hormones irrespective of the treatment were highest at birth and gradually declined. Alkaline phosphatase and LDH differed significantly (P <0.05) between the two groups of calves. Plasma insulin, AST and ALT did not differ between the groups. Birth weight and average daily gain in VeC was significantly higher (P<0.01) as compared to CC. Present study revealed that the new born calves were physiologically immature at birth and pre-partum supplementation of vitamin E results in improved growth, metabolic and endocrine profile of calves.