Effects of Supplementing Ewes with d-á-Tocopherolon Serum and Colostrum Immunoglobulin G Titers and Preweaning Lamb Performance

Two experiments were conducted to examine effects of d-a-tocopherol (vitamin E) on colostrum immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers and preweaning lamb performance. Trial 1 consisted of 86 Suffolk ewes receiving either no vitamin E (control) or 1500 IU vitamin E on d-28 prepartum. From the 86 ewes, a subset of 25 ewes was randomly chosen for an intensive analysis of ewe serum and colostrum IgG and lamb serum IgG concentrations. Average daily gain was analyzed for lambs (n = 100) born to the 86 ewes as well as for lambs (n = 25) born to the subset of 25 ewes. Birth weights were also analyzed for the 25 lambs. Vitamin E supplementation had no effect on ewe serum (P = .16), lamb serum (P = .77) or ewe colostrum (P = .25) IgG concentrations. Of the intensively sampled lambs, those born to vitamin E-treated ewes had heavier (P = .08) birth weights and greater (P = .02) ADG than lambs born to control ewes. Average daily gain for lambs born to the 86 ewes was not affected by vitamin E (P = .97; n = 100). Trial 2 examined effects of vitamin E on lamb growth under range conditions. Two hundred whiteface, pregnant ewes were randomly sorted into four pastures with two pastures per treatment. Ewes received either no vitamin E (control) or 1500 IU vitamin E 40 d before the onset of lambing. Lambs from vitamin E-treated ewes showed higher weight gains at 30 d of age than lambs from control ewes (P = .03). However, weaning weights were similar (P > 0.10) for both treatment groups. Vitamin E does not appear to increase IgG concentrations in ewe and lamb serum or ewe colostrum. However, vitamin E showed positive effects on growth when lambs were under stress conditions during the first several weeks postpartum as indicated by intensively sampled lambs in Trial 1.