Growth and Immune Response of Japanese Black Newborn Calves from Cows Given Selenium and Vitamin E during Pregnancy

Abstract

Pregnant Japanese Black cows were fed diets supplemented with selenium (Se) and vitamin E (VE) from 1 month prepartum to 1 month postpartum, and their calves, were examined for serum Se and VE levels, NBT reduction ability of neutrophils, antibody titers to enterotoxigentc E. coli (K99) and growth. The serum Se and VE levels in dams fed Se and VE and their calves were significantly higher than those in controls. Calves from dams fed supplemented diet showed greater NBT reduction ability 1 month after birth, and their serum antibody titers to K99 fimbriae tended to be higher. They showed greater tendency in daily gain (DG). Serum Se and VE concentrations in diarrheic calves and their dams tended to be lower.