The effect of Vitamins A, D and E injections on the blood plasma of pregnant beef cows and on calf viability

Half of a group of 358 pregnant Angus and Hereford cows at three different experiment stations were injected intramuscularly with 9 ml of a solution containing 4.5 million I.U. of vitamin A, 675,000 I.U. of vitamin D₃ and 450 I.U. of vitamin E. An equal volume of physiological saline was injected into the remainder of the cows. The purpose was to determine the effect of the vitamin injections on plasma beta-carotene, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium, potassium and on calf viability.

​​Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein immediately prior to the injection, 24 hours later and 28 days later. No noticeable effects were evident due to treatment for any of the plasma values. However, differences in time of sampling were observed for plasma beta-carotene, calcium and potassium.

Differences were detected (P<.05) among station source for cow plasma beta-carotene. Values for forage beta-carotene corresponded to plasma beta-carotene at the stations sampled, with those from Alcoa being highest.

Breed differences were not found in plasma beta-carotene and vitamin A levels but the Angus cows were higher (P<.05) for plasma calcium and magnesium.

Calves born to the injected cows were scored on viability. More weak calves and fewer healthy calves were born to the vitamin injected cows.

It was concluded that vitamina A, D and E injections given to pregnant beef cows under the conditions of this study do not affect plasma beta-carotene, vitamin A, calcium, magnesium or potassium. Also these vitamin injections when given to pregnant beef cows showed no beneficial effects on calf viability.