Oxidative stress of pregnancy and parturition on buffaloes and their calves

Abstract EN

The present study was designed to evaluate oxidative stress of pregnancy, parturition and postpartum in buffalo cow as well as new bora 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 evaluated during pregnancy and around parturition till the 1st postpartum estrous as well as in new bora 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.