Effects of supplemental β-carotene on colostral immunoglobulin and plasma β-carotene and immunoglobulin in Japanese Black cows.

Data from 26 Japanese Black cows were collected to clarify the effects of supplemental β-carotene on colostral immunoglobulin (Ig) and plasma β-carotene and Ig in the cows. Cows were assigned to control or β-carotene groups from 21 days before the expected calving date to 60 days after parturition. Supplemental β-carotene was provided at 500 mg/day in the β-carotene group. Supplemental β-carotene drastically increased plasma β-carotene concentrations in the cows from parturition to 60 days after parturition, and plasma β-carotene concentrations in the control and β-carotene groups at parturition were 202 and 452 μg/dl, respectively. Supplemental β-carotene had no effects on plasma IgG , IgA or IgM concentrations at parturition. Supplemental β-carotene increased colostral IgG concentrations in the cows, but colostral β-carotene, IgA and IgM concentrations were not affected by supplemental β-carotene. These results indicate that supplemental β-carotene is effective to enhance colostral IgG concentrations and plasma β-carotene concentrations in Japanese Black cows.