Evaluation of supplemental vitamin E on 56-day feedlot growth performance and plasma tocopherol concentrations in calf-fed Holstein steers

Abstract

Fifty-four Holstein steer calves, divided in two weight groupings (141.2 ± 4.9 kg and 454.2 ± 7.0 kg respectively), were used in a 56-day study to evaluate the influence of supplemental vitamin E on growth performance and plasma vitamin concentrations. Steers were assigned within body weight groupings to 18 pens, 3 steers/pen. Dietary treatments consisted of a steam-flaked corn-based growing-finishing diet supplemented to provide 0, 250, or 500 IU/d of vitamin E as all racemic α-tocopherol. No morbidity was apparent during the course of the study. Calves in the heavier weight grouping had greater average daily gain (24.4%, P .10) feedlot growth performance. Initial and 56-day plasma tocopherol were not influenced (P >.10) by weight grouping. Final 56-day plasma tocopherol increased linearly (P