Postpartum Relationship of Beta Carotene and Vitamin A between Placenta, Blood and Colostrum in Cows and their Newborns

Abstract

Carotenoids are lipophilic compounds which are involved not only in scavenging reactive oxygen species but also in many important biochemical processes. Periparturient period is supposed to be connected with oxidative imbalance which can be detected in blood of mother and newborn. Colostrum contains antioxidants which should protect newborn from stressful conditions. The aim of present study was do evaluate the relationship of beta carotene and vitamin A concentration between placenta, blood and colostrum of cows and blood of their newborns. 12 pregnant, healthy cows and their newborns were included into study. The concentration of beta carotene and vitamin A were detected in homogenates of placental tissues obtained immediately after parturition as well as in blood of mother and newborn and colostrum. Additionally blood and colostrum samples were collected 24 hours after parturition. The determinations were performed by use of spectrophotometric method at 325 and 453 nm. The concentration of beta carotene was significantly higher in fetal as in maternal part of placenta. Plasma level significantly decreased during 24 h after parturition in cows but significantly increased in calves. Colostrum level remained relatively stable during examined time. The concentration of retinol was significantly higher in fetal as in maternal part of placenta. Plasma levels, significantly higher in cows as in calves, increased significantly during 24 h after parturition in mothers but remained unchanged in newborns. Colostral concentrations increased significantly during examined period of time. In conclusion, dynamic changes in carotenoid concentrations in placenta, blood of mother and newborn as well as in colostrum that occur during 24 h after parturition may indicate the importance of antioxidative defence at this time both for cow and calf.

Key words

bovine placenta - colostrum - vitamin A - beta carotene

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