Changes in vitamin C concentrations in plasma and milk from dairy cows after an intramammary infusion of Escherichia coli

Plasma and milk concentrations of ascorbic acid and dehydro-L-ascorbic acid (DHAA) were measured before and after 21 Holstein cows (approximately 26 DIM) were given an intramammary infusion of Escherichia coli. Blood, milk from the unchallenged quarters, and milk from the challenged gland were sampled immediately before challenge (d 0) and 24 h and 7 d postchallenge. Plasma vitamin C (ascorbic acid + DHAA) concentrations decreased 39%, and concentrations of vitamin C and ascorbic acid in milk from the challenged quarter decreased 52 and 62%, respectively, in samples taken 24 h postchallenge. No change was observed in vitamin C concentrations in milk from unchallenged quarters. The concentration of DHAA in milk from challenged quarters increased 67% 24 h postchallenge. The duration of clinical mastitis, peak body temperature, number of colony-forming units of E. coli isolated from the infected gland, and loss in milk yield were associated with a change in concentration of vitamin C in milk from the challenged quarter. Increased severity of clinical signs was associated with large decreases in concentration of vitamin C in milk from the challenged quarter. Similar, but statistically weaker, relationships were observed for changes in plasma vitamin C concentrations.