Vitamin E and beta-carotene levels in milk are directly correlated to intake of those nutrients, whether the cows are fed a conventional ration or an organic-based ration. If any cow is consuming lush, green grass then her fat-soluble vitamin levels will be higher in her milk compared to a cow being fed a ration high in haylage or silage. Alfalfa hay has higher vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) and beta-carotene levels when compared to equal dry matter intakes of silage or haylage.
Milk fat-soluble vitamin levels depend exclusively on dietary intake. Recent research in Sweden suggests that natural vitamin E is deposited at higher levels compared to synthetic vitamin E when fed at equal International Units.
Rob Stuart, Stuart Products, Inc. |
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