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Effect of parturition on levels of vitamins A and E and of β‐carotene in plasma and milk of mares
Author(s) -
SCHWEIGERT F. J.,
GOTTWALD C.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb03824.x
Subject(s) - colostrum , retinol , beta carotene , endocrinology , medicine , carotene , vitamin , chemistry , cholesterol , blood plasma , vitamin e , biology , food science , biochemistry , antioxidant , immunology , antibody
Summary The objective of this study was to investigate in mares the effect of parturition on plasma and milk levels of retinol, β‐carotene, α‐tocopherol and cholesterol over 12 weeks around parturition. In blood plasma of horses around parturition an increase of all these components was observed. This increase was most impressive in β‐carotene (P<0.05) and less pronounced for vitamin E, vitamin A and cholesterol. The magnitude of increase around parturition corresponded well with the magnitude of accumulation in colostrum; levels of β‐carotene in colostrum were 65 times higher compared to mature milk while vitamin A, vitamin E and cholesterol were only 3 to 8 times higher. β‐carotene concentrations in colostrum were positively correlated with corresponding plasma levels (r = 0.9; P<0.001). Reasons for the increase in plasma β‐carotene around parturition may include an improved absorption of carotene and/or reduced conversion into vitamin A as well as mobilisation from tissue storages or a reduced uptake in tissues other than the mammary gland. In conclusion, the results may point to possible component‐ and species‐specific differences involved in the transfer of fat‐soluble vitamins, β‐carotene and cholesterol from blood plasma into colostrum.