Why we give vitamin e for ruminants and poultry?

Vitamin E is an essential nutrient for both ruminants and poultry due to its critical role in promoting overall health and supporting various physiological functions. Here’s why it is given to these animals:

1. Antioxidant Properties

• Ruminants & Poultry: Vitamin E acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals. This is especially important for maintaining the integrity of cell membranes and protecting tissues from oxidative stress.
• Benefit: Helps to prevent cell damage and reduces the risk of degenerative diseases, especially in organs like the liver and heart.

2. Immune System Support

• Ruminants & Poultry: Vitamin E supports the immune system by enhancing the production and activity of immune cells (such as lymphocytes and macrophages). It helps in the protection against infections and improves vaccine efficacy.
• Benefit: It increases resistance to diseases, improving overall health and productivity.

3. Reproductive Health

• Ruminants: In dairy cattle, sheep, and other ruminants, vitamin E is essential for proper reproductive function. It helps in the maintenance of fertility by supporting healthy sperm production and ovarian function.
• Poultry: In poultry, vitamin E is crucial for improving egg production, hatchability, and the development of the embryo.
• Benefit: It enhances reproductive performance, including better conception rates in cattle and improved egg laying and fertility in chickens.

4. Muscle and Growth Development

• Ruminants & Poultry: Vitamin E is involved in the proper development and function of muscles, including preventing muscle degeneration (e.g., white muscle disease in calves and lambs). It also supports overall growth and weight gain in young animals.
• Benefit: Helps in preventing conditions like muscle stiffness, weakness, and other developmental issues.

5. Cardiovascular Health

• Ruminants & Poultry: Vitamin E supports heart and vascular health by preventing oxidative damage to blood vessels and tissues involved in circulation.
• Benefit: Reduces the risk of heart disease and improves circulation, which is crucial for overall health and performance.

6. Prevention of Nutritional Deficiency Disorders

• Ruminants & Poultry: A deficiency of vitamin E can lead to a range of health problems, including poor growth, reproductive issues, immune suppression, and muscle degeneration.
• Benefit: Supplementing vitamin E ensures these deficiencies are prevented, maintaining the health and productivity of the animals.

7. Skin and Feather Health (Poultry)

• Poultry: Vitamin E helps in maintaining skin and feather health. It can reduce the occurrence of skin lesions and feather abnormalities.
• Benefit: Contributes to the overall appearance and health of poultry, which is important for both production and aesthetics.

In conclusion, vitamin E is crucial for ruminants and poultry because of its wide-ranging benefits, including its antioxidant effects, immune support, and roles in reproduction, growth, and cardiovascular health. Ensuring adequate intake of vitamin E can prevent deficiency-related diseases and enhance the productivity and health of these animals.