Concentrations of serum vitamins A, E and C and beta-carotene during pregnancy in cows

Abstract

The concentrations of serum vitamins A, E and C, and β-carotene in 12 cows, between 3-8 years of age, were determined during pregnancy and after delivery. The compounds were assigned spectrophotometrically. It was observed that the levels of vitamins E and C differed during the pregnancy. The level of vitamin A in the 3rd month of pregnancy was lower than that in the 7th month and the level of β-carotene in the 4th month was lower than that in the 6th and 7th months. It was also noted that the level of vitamin A after delivery was lower than that in months 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 of pregnancy, but in the 3rd and 4th months, no statistical difference was observed. Vitamin E level was also lower after parturition than the value noted in the 9th month. The level of β-carotene was lower than the values noted in the 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th months as well. The vitamin C level was found to be significantly lower after delivery. It was noted that there was positive correlation between contents of vitamin A and β-carotene during the whole period of pregnancy. It was also noted a positive correlation (P<0.01) between vitamin E and β- carotene in the 6th month of pregnancy. It was concluded that the addition of β-carotene and vitamins A, E and C in sufficient amounts to the rations of the animals before delivery would be beneficial