Abstract
The present study was designed to evaluate oxidative stress of pregnancy, parturition and postpartum in buffalo cow as well as new born buffalo calves. Serum cortisol, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin C and E as well as zinc and selenium levels were evaluatedduring pregnancy and around parturition till the 1st postpartum estrous as well asin new born buffalo calves. In buffalo cows, serum cortisol and MDA levels were elevated through late pregnancy and postpartum while vitamin E level showed significant decrease through this period. Meanwhile, CAT and GSH values showed fluctuant variations. In newborn calves, serum cortisol increased on day 3 and 10. CAT increased with age progress. SOD increased on day 30 and 45 while GSH decreased on day 3 then it increased with advancement of age. MDA level decreased on days 15, 30 and 45. Serum levels of vitamins E and C as well as zinc and selenium did not show significant change. It could be concluded from recurrent study that late pregnancy and parturition cause oxidative stress and consequently increase in serum cortisol in buffalo and newborn calves.
Highlights
IntroductionParturition and postpartum periods are critical for female animals
Pregnancy, parturition and postpartum periods are critical for female animals
There was no significant difference in vitamin E, C, zinc, selenium with age progress in buffalo calves
Summary
Parturition and postpartum periods are critical for female animals These activities are related to complex and specific metabolic processes regulated by steroid hormones and prostaglandins and by other biological factors secreted by placenta or mammary gland as well as the whole body (Goff and Horst 1997). Hormonal concert action and physical effort related to fetal expulsion takes place These metabolic reactions may result in the overproduction of ROS (Miller et al, 1993 and Fainaru et al, 2002). Lactation requires specific metabolic activity related to appropriate production of milk and ensure the supply of newborn with necessary nutrients and biologically active substances protecting it from ROS (Bell 1995). Anti-oxidative system represented by enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants is responsible for maintaining the balance between ROS production and neutralization (Halliwell and Gutteridge, 1990)
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