Effects of Prepartally Supplements of Vitamins and Trace Elements on Total Antioxidant and Oxidant Status and Udder Health Parameters on Day 14 Postpartum in Holstein-Friesian Cows

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prepartally injections of antioxidants on total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and udder health parameters on day 14 postpartum in Holstein-Friesian cows. Sixty-eight multiparous cows were divided into treatment (TRE; n=33) and control (CON; n=35) groups. Injections of vitamins (A, D and E) and trace elements ( Se, Cu, Zn and Mn) were administered intramuscularly to cows into the TRE group on 21±5 and 10±5 days prepartum. Blood and milk samples were collected to evaluate beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), TAS, TOS and udder health (somatic cell count (SCC), total bacterial count (individual bacteria count (IBC) and colony formation unit (CFU)). TAS levels were higher in the TRE group than the CON group. And TOS levels were lower in the TRE group than the CON group (P<0.001). Cows in the TRE group had lower SCC than the cows in the CON group (p=0.042). In conclusion, prepartally supplements of antioxidants were effectively reduced levels of serum TOS and SCC and increased levels of serum TAS. But, it was detected that it did not affect on IBC and CFU levels.