However, there were no known
pathogenic challenges, and environmental stressors
were minimal in the current study. Serum concentrations
of α-tocopherol declined by 82% in pigs after
the first month postweaning (effect of time, P < 0.05;
Table 5), which is consistent with results reported by
others showing reduced circulating vitamin E concentrations
within the first few wk postweaning (Chung
et al., 1992; Moreira and Mahan, 2002; Lauridsen,
2010). These changes are likely related to metabolic
and environmental changes associated with weaning