Lipid peroxides and antioxidants in serum of neonatal calves

Abstract

Objective - To examine the association between oxidative stress and antioxidants in neonatal calves after birth. Sample Population - Sera from 6 healthy Holstein-Friesian cows and 7 of their newborn calves were obtained at various intervals after birth. Procedure - Lipid peroxides in serum of cows and their newborn calves were estimated by measuring concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). The antioxidative activities of neonatal sera were evaluated by measuring their superoxide-scavenging activities, ferroxidase activities, and the concentration of bilirubin-associated albumin. Results - Concentration of TBARS in neonatal sera within 1 day after birth was significantly higher than concentrations ≥ 2 days after birth and concentrations in serum of the dams. In contrast, antioxidative activities of neonatal sera, evaluated on the basis of superoxide-scavenging activities, ferroxidase activities, and concentration of bilirubin-associated a bumin 3 hours after birth, were significantly lower than antioxidative activities in sera of the dams. Conclusions - Susceptibility of calves to oxidative stress during the neonatal period may be explained by the immature defense system against superoxide radicals.