Factors associated with serum vitamin A and vitamin E concentrations in beef calves from Alberta and Saskatchewan and the relationship between vitamin concentrations and calf health outcomes

Abstract

The study objectives were to identify factors associated with serum vitamin A and vitamin E concentrations in beef calves less than 1mo old and to examine associations between vitamin concentrations and health outcomes. Serum vitamin A concentrations were highest in calves more than 4 d old, with serum immunoglobulin G concentrations > 19 g L−1, from cows without perinatal health problems, and born where precipitation in the previous growing season was ≥200 mm. Serum vitamin E was highest in calves more than 4 d old, born earlier in the calving season, not born to heifers, and that received selenium and vitamin E injections at or shortly after birth. After accounting for other risk factors, calves with serum vitamin A less than 0.14 μg mL−1 were 2.8 times more likely to die (P = 0.02), and calves with serum vitamin E less than adequate for their age (2-7 d old, <0.8 μg mL−1; >7 d old, <0.5 μgmL−1) were 3.2 times more likely to be treated for enteritis than calves with higher concentrations (P = 0.0001). Drought conditions, dam peripartum health problems, and inadequate colostrum intake contribute to low vitamin A and vitamin E concentrations and adverse health outcomes in beef calves.