Effect of pre-partum supplementation of vitamin E to Murrah buffaloes on immune functions and viability of calves

This 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; vitamin E -supplemented calves [VeC]) and non-supplemented buffaloes (n=10; control calves [CC]) constituted the treatment and control groups respectively. Two colostrum samples were taken at the first post-partum milking and again after 12h from dams for IgG estimation. Sampling of blood was performed on days 0 (before colostrum feeding), 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, 98, 112 and 126 post-birth and analysed for apparent efficiency of absorption (%) of IgG and various immune parameters. Colostral IgG level was significantly higher (p<0.05) in vitamin E-supplemented buffaloes. The calves in both groups were born hypogammaglobulinemic with IgG level <5g/l. However, first colostrum feeding resulted in significantly elevated IgG levels (>10g/l) in calves of both groups at 24h, which remained high afterwards. Apparent efficiency of absorption (%) of IgG at 24h was significantly higher (p<0.05) in VeC than in CC. Plasma Nitric Oxide (NO) levels were significantly elevated in the calves of either group at birth, which declined significantly (p<0.01) afterwards. Vitamin E feeding to dams had no added effect on NO levels in experimental calves. Total leucocyte counts did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, lymphocyte and neutrophil counts changed significantly between groups (p<0.01) and days (p<0.01), with lymphocytes increasing and neutrophils declining with age. This study revealed that the calves were immunologically immature at birth. Ante-partum supplementation of vitamin E did not influence plasma NO or IgG but had a significant effect on colostral IgG (p<0.05). It also improved the apparent efficiency of absorption (%) of IgG at 24h in VeC as compared to CC.