Changes in oxidative status in periparturient dairy cows in hot conditions

Abstract

We investigated the changes in the plasma concentrations of oxidative stress markers in periparturient dairy cows in hot conditions. This study was performed on 10 cows from day -5 to day 10 after parturition. The experimental duration was divided into three periods: period 1 (5 days before parturition); period 2 (5 days after parturition); and period 3 (from day 6 to day 10 after parturition). The average rectal temperature in the cows during the experimental period was more than 39 °C. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase activities in periods 2 and 3 were higher than that in period 1 (P<0.05). Blood urea nitrogen concentration in period 3 was lower than those in periods 1 and 2 (P<0.05). The total ascorbic acid concentration in the plasma in period 2 was greater than those in periods 1 and 3 (P<0.05). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) concentrations in periods 2 and 3 were greater than that in period 1 (P<0.05). TBARS concentration was positively correlated with aspartate aminotransferase activity (P<0.05). These results suggested that oxidative stress increased in cows after parturition under hot climatic conditions.