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Role of supplemental vitamin E in lamb survival and production: A review

P. G. Hatfield^*, J. T. Daniels^*, R. W. Kott^*, D. E. Burgess and T. J. Evans

^* Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, 59717 and Department of Veterinary Molecular Biology, Montana State University, Bozeman, 59717 and Roche Vitamins Inc., Parsippany, NJ, 07110

Abstract

Neonatal lamb mortality costs U.S. sheep producers approximately $114 million annually. Mortality rates have been reported in excess of 20% with little improvement over the past 40 yr. The objective of this paper is to review literature pertinent to the potential role of supplemental vitamin E to increase neonatal lamb survival and production. Effects of vitamin E in humoral and, to a lesser extent, cell-mediated immunity have been well documented. However, the influence of supplemental vitamin E on immunity and other factors that may increase lamb survival and production are not clearly understood. Although supplementing the newborn lamb with vitamin E increases serum vitamin E concentration and may influence serum immunoglobulin levels, this administration of vitamin E may not be as effective in decreasing neonatal lamb mortality as supplementing the ewe during late gestation. In addition to the role of vitamin E in immune function, the potential role of vitamin E in neonatal energy status and stress are discussed. Strategic supplementation of the late gestating ewe with vitamin E may be a biologically and economically efficient method of reducing neonatal lamb mortality when environmental stresses are high. Whether this response is solely due to enhanced immune function or a combination of improved immunocompetence, fetal energy status, and a neonate more capable of dealing with stress is yet to be determined. Further research on how supplemental vitamin E may influence cell-mediated immunity, ameliorate stress, and improve fetal energy status is needed to clarify the role of vitamin E in neonatal lamb survival and production.