Effect of prepartum injection of vitamin E and selenium on postpartum blood biochemical profile in Buffaloes

Ten pregnant buffaloes were divided into two groups: group I - control and group II - administered i/m vitamin E-sclenium injections at weekly intervals 15d before the expected date of parturition. The blood samples were collected at −14, -7, 0, 1, 2, 17, 32, 47 and 62d. The levels of vitamin E, β-carotene, total cholesterol, alkaline phosphatase activity and phosphorus in plasma declined towards parturition. Vitamin E and β-carotene were significantly increased following the vitamin E-selenium administration but after parturition they were similar in both the groups. The total cholesterol and phosphorus were comparatively higher in group II. The data indicates that vitamin E-selenium administration could temporarily elevate the levels of vitamin E, β-carotene and phosphorus.