Effects of AD3EC and Ca-P-Mg Supplementation on Oxidative Stress in Postpartum Dairy Cows

Abstract

In industrial cattle breeding, special attention is paid to the nutrition of dairy cow livestock production while maintaining animal health. Vitamins and trace minerals such as zinc, copper, and manganese are essential for the functioning of many important proteins in the body. The body's antioxidant system plays a critical role in cell health and, consequently, in the health of body tissues and organs. This defense system helps maintain tissue health by protecting cells against free radicals. Oxidative stress has been found to play a role in the occurrence of many diseases, including metabolic and infectious diseases in organisms. This study measured the effect of vitamin and mineral supplements on serum enzyme antioxidant levels and malondialdehyde concentrations in postpartum dairy cows. In this research, 15 cows received a subcutaneous vitamin supplement (AD3EC) on Day 210 of gestation (single dose) and a single subcutaneous dose of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium immediately after calving (as a method to enhance the antioxidant immune system of dairy cows due to antioxidant effects of vitamins and minerals, particularly magnesium). These cows were compared to 15 cows that did not receive any vitamin supplements during the dry period but received only calcium in the form of an oral bolus immediately after calving. Serum enzyme antioxidant levels and malondialdehyde were measured using commercial laboratory kits according to standard methods. The results showed the MDA levels decreased but catalase and TAC levels increased in the group that used vitamin and mineral supplements. However, there was no significant change in other parameters. In conclusion, while the consumption of mineral and vitamin supplements does not significantly alter the mean concentrations of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, it can reduce oxidative stress by improving the other oxidative stress parameters in dairy Holstein cows.

Keywords: dairy cow; dry period; mineral supplement; oxidative stress; vitamin supplement.