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Article: Vitamin E form, source may be important for swine.(Nutrition And Health/Swine)
- Article from:
- Feedstuffs
- Article date:
- August 23, 2004
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2004 Miller Publishing Company, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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The sow better utilizes natural vitamin E than synthetic, resulting in improved vitamin E status in the nursing pig through milk transfer of the natural RRR-isomer. Vitamin E status in piglets may decline after weaning unless a biologically available source of vitamin E is provided.
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) is a critically important nutrient for all confinement-reared swine. It is a primary dietary antioxidant that maintains cell membrane integrity and also enhances humoral- and cell-mediated immunity. Other metabolic roles have been reviewed by Brigelius-Flohe and Traber (1999).
Vitamin E is not synthesized in the body; thus, all swine require ...