Vitamin E Requirements for Finishing Cattle and Beef Cows
Vitamin E is an essential fat‑soluble vitamin that supports animal growth, immune function, muscle movement, performance, and carcass quality in beef cattle. Because stored forages lose significant vitamin E during harvest and storage, supplementation is required in most wintering, silage, and finishing rations.
1. Role of Vitamin E in Cattle
Vitamin E is required for:
- Immune function and overall disease resistance
- Growth and reproductive performance
- Neuromuscular control (muscle contraction, heartbeat, rumen activity, lung function)
- Prevention of muscular dystrophy in young calves
- Efficient feed conversion and manure excretion
Deficiency risks:
- Increased mastitis
- Higher incidence of retained placenta
- Reduced immune response and vigor
2. Impact on Meat Quality
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects muscle tissues from oxidation, thereby:
- Maintaining bright red color in retail cuts
- Reducing off-flavors and off-odors
- Improving shelf life of packaged beef
- Increasing consumer acceptance
Feeding elevated vitamin E prior to slaughter is especially beneficial for finishing cattle.
3. Vitamin E in Feeds
- Fresh pasture provides adequate vitamin E for grazing cattle.
- Stored feeds lose vitamin E rapidly through drying, storage, and time.
- Silage fermentation destroys most natural vitamin E.
- Supplemental vitamin E is necessary in rations containing:
- Dry hay
- Silage
- Greenfeed
- Swath grazing feeds
4. Recommended Daily Vitamin E Intake
Table 1. Vitamin E Requirements (IU/day)
Class of Cattle |
Requirement (IU/day) |
Pregnant cows |
300 IU/day |
Lactating cows |
500 IU/day |
Young calves |
300 IU/day |
Growing calves |
300 IU/day |
Finishing steers |
300 IU/day |
5. Feeding Strategies
To ensure consistent intake and proper supplementation:
- Mix vitamin E into total mixed rations (TMR)
- Add supplements prior to feeding silage
- Include vitamin E in daily grain mixes
- If using free‑choice mineral, monitor intake carefully to ensure animals meet required levels
Because vitamin E content varies widely among feedstuffs, producers should use feed tests and adjust supplementation accordingly.