244. The vitamin A and carotene content of Shorthorn colostrum

Abstract

1. The concentration of carotene and of vitamin A in colostrum and colostral fat and the total daily yield of these substances in successive milkings has been studied for four shorthorn cows and nine heifers.2. The concentration of vitamin A in the first colostrum ranged from 8160 to 820 Moore blue units per 100 g. and that of carotene from 2026 to 411 Moore yellow units per 100 g.3. The highest and lowest concentrations and yields of vitamin A and carotene respectively in samples of colostrum and later milk were in the ratios: per g. of colostrum (milk) 35:1 and 65:1; per g. of fat 27:1 and 34:1; calculated on daily yield 31:1 and 65:1. This last calculation favours colostrum.4. Access to pasture before calving appeared to have no effect on the secretion of vitamin A in colostrum but increased the output of carotene.Our best thanks are due to Mr A. G. Cotton who supervised the collection of the samples of colostrum and to Miss D. V. Dearden for churning the butters.