The effect of prepartum antioxidant administrations on blood bhba concentration in cows

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of prepartum antioxidant administrations on blood Beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentration on day 7 postpartum in Holstein dairy cows. Antioxidants are defined as substances that delay or inhibit oxidative damage. Oxidants, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced as a consequence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in mitochondria. Oxidants can cause tissue damage by damaging cells' macromolecules, such as deoxyribonucleic acid, proteins, and lipids. Lipids are the most sensitive macromolecules against oxidative damage. Oxidative stress can both disrupt the mechanism of insulin and induce more lipolysis. Therefore, ROS overproduction can enhance non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and BHBA production. Material and Method: Eighty pregnant multiparous Holstein dairy cows were used in this study. The cows were divided into treatment (G1; n=40) and control groups (G2; n=40). Solutions containing vitamins (A, D, E) and trace elements (Cu, Se, Mn, Zn) were administered intramuscularly to G1 on 21±5 and 10±5 days before the expected delivery time (280 days). G2 was given the same amount of saline injections as the placebo. Result and Discussion: It was found that blood BHBA concentrations were lower in the G1 (0.73±0.20 mmol/L) compared to the G2 (0.84±0.29 mmol/L). In conclusion, it was determined that prepartum antioxidant administrations decrease blood BHBA concentration in the postpartum period in dairy cows.