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.