THE EFFECT OF SELENIUM AND VITAMIN E SUPPLEMENTATION ON CALF REARING

Selenium and vitamin E during parturition and in the early period of life are essential for the health and performance of cows, as well as their progeny. The antioxidant action of these micronutri- ents is evident first in immune response. Deficiency of both these substances, due to their complex interactions, may lead to numerous physiological disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of varied levels of selenium and vitamin E added to colostrum provided to suckling calves on their serum total protein concentration (indicating antibody transfer), daily body weight gains, as well as susceptibility to disease to day 60 of life. Analyses were conducted on 60 Polish Holstein-Friesian Black-and-White calves, which diet was sup- plemented with varying doses of selenium and vitamin E. These supplements were added to colostrum. Next the predicted amounts of immunoglobulins supplied to calves with colostrum were determined, while serum total protein content, daily body weight gains and incidence of disease were analyzed. The highest predicted Ig level and serum total protein were found in the group with higher Se and vitamin E supplementation. Throughout the period of the experiment daily weight gains in all the groups were com- parable. Feed intake from day 7 to day 60 of calves’ life did not differ significantly between the experimental groups of calves. Diseases requiring veterinary assistance were reported in each group (diarrhea and pneumonia). The adopted varied level of selenium and vitamin E supplementation in colostrum had no significant effect in the investigated period on antibody transfer from colostrum to the calves’ bloodstream, susceptibility to disease, body weight gains or final body weight of calves. Recorded results probably re- sulted from the availability of selenium and vitamin E in the organisms of suckling calves, which may have been affected by the manner of administration and form of these supplements. The data obtained in this study may also indicate that calves in the analysed herd showed no deficiency of selenium and vitamin E, because otherwise most probably a small addition of these supplements would have a beneficial effect on the investigated parameters. Results of this study were most likely the consequence of too low levels of nutrients introduced to colostrum. Thus in the planned future experiments it is suggested to administer higher levels of selenium and vitamin E in the experimental group of calves.