Assessment of oxidative stress around parturition by determining antioxidant vitamins in Mehsana buffaloes

Periparturient period is especially critical for health and subsequent productivity of buffaloes. The present study was undertaken to assess the degree of oxidative stress in Mehsana buffaloes during periparturient period. The results of the present study revealed that the antioxidant vitamins viz. vitamin C, vitamin A and β carotene was significantly (p<0.01) decreased from 30 days before parturition and attained lowest levels on the day of parturition. But the concentration increased significantly (p<0.01) from 15 days to 30 days after parturition. The findings suggested that the pregnancy and parturition lowered the antioxidant status due to transfer of these vitamins in formation of colostrum. The levels of vitamin C, vitamin A and β-carotene were found to be significantly (p<0.01) higher in non-pregnant buffaloes as compared to pregnant buffaloes on the day of parturition, suggesting more utilization of these vitamins for maintaining homeostasis in the absence of oxidative stress.