Impact of Vitamin E Supplementation on Newly Received Calves: A Review and Meta-Analysis

Seven different studies comprising 1,481 lightweight steers and heifers provided with 10 different vitamin E amounts (0 to 2000 IU/animal daily) were compiled for a meta-analysis of the relationships between supplemental vitamin E and stressed receiving calf performance. The statistics of interest were estimated relationships between vitamin E supplementation and DMI, ADG, G:F, and percent morbidity. For the slope coefficients estimated, a whole unit change in the independent variable (X) represented a 100-IU change in vitamin E intake per day. Based on the data used to generate the estimates for these analyses, no predictive relationship exists for vitamin E supplementation and DMI, ADG, or G:F (P ≥ 0.45). However, for percent morbidity the predictive model suggests that for every 100 IU increase in vitamin E intake per day, a 0.35% decrease (P = 0.08) in morbidity would be expected. The data discussed herein provides evidentiary support for vitamin E supplementation to newly received calves at high risk of morbidity. However, because the entire data set is bounded between 0 and 2,000 IU/d of vitamin E intake, predictions regarding the linearity beyond 2,000 IU should be avoided.