The α‐tocopherol content of forage crops

Forage crops were analyzed for α‐tocopherol (5,7,8‐trimethyltocol), by two‐dimensional paper chromatography, through the seasons. Only healthy material, and for grasses only the leaf, was analysed. The α‐tocopherol content of lucerne crops rose steadily from 35 p.p.m. of dry matter in March to 240 in November. In crops of white clover the content rose steadily from 100 p.p.m. in Spring to 210 in November. In grasses the content fell to a minimum in late Spring, rose in Summer, fell in early Autumn, and rose in early Winter to 120 p.p.m. (cocksfoot) or 220 (other grasses).