The Role of Selenitetriglycerides in Enhancing Antioxidant Defense Mechanisms in Peripartum Holstein-Friesian Cows.

Żarczyńska, Katarzyna; Brym, Paweł; Tobolski, Dawid

Simple Summary: The transition period for high-yielding dairy cows, marked by calving and the onset of lactation, presents a substantial risk of oxidative stress. This stress can have adverse effects on cow health and milk production yield. Our research aimed to assess the effectiveness of selenitetriglycerides as an oral supplement for alleviating oxidative stress in periparturient cows. We conducted a trial involving 12 dairy cows, divided into two groups: one group received the selenitetriglyceride supplement, while the other served as a control group receiving placebo supplementation. The study assessed key indicators of oxidative stress and overall health, including serum selenium levels, non-esterified fatty acids, glutathione peroxidase, catalase concentrations, and liver gene expression profiles related to antioxidant activity. The results demonstrated a significant enhancement in antioxidant levels and the stabilization of oxidative markers in supplemented cows. These findings suggest that selenitetriglyceride supplementation may serve as an effective strategy to enhance antioxidant defenses in dairy cows during this critical period. The implications of this study extend to improving both animal welfare and productivity in the dairy industry, potentially benefiting the agricultural sector and consumer health by promoting more sustainable dairy practices. The transition period in high-yielding dairy cows is a critical phase marked by an elevated risk of oxidative stress. This study evaluated the effect of oral selenitetriglyceride supplementation on oxidative stress management in periparturient cows. A controlled experiment was conducted on 12 cows, divided into two groups: the experimental group (STG) received selenitetriglycerides (0.5 mg Se/kg BW), while the control group (CON) was given a placebo, starting 12 days before calving until the calving day. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected at predetermined intervals around the time of parturition. The study observed a significant increase in serum selenium levels and NEFA stabilization in the STG group compared with the control. Antioxidant parameters indicated elevated GSH-Px and CAT concentrations in the STG group. Liver gene expression analysis revealed a significant increase in SOD2 mRNA levels in the STG group (FC = 4.68, p < 0.01). Conversely, GSH-Px3 expression significantly decreased (FC = 0.10, p < 0.05) on the 7th day postpartum in the CON group. However, SOD1, SOD3, and CAT expressions remained stable in both groups. These findings highlight the beneficial role of selenitetriglycerides in enhancing antioxidant capacity and influencing specific gene expressions associated with oxidative stress management in dairy cows during the peripartum period.

HOLSTEIN-Friesian cattle; LACTATION in cattle; GLUTATHIONE peroxidase; PERINATAL period; MILK yield; SELENOPROTEINS; ANIMAL welfare; SUSTAINABILITY

Animals (2076-2615), 2024, Vol 14, Issue 4, p610

2076-2615

Academic Journal

10.3390/ani14040610