Acta Vet. Brno 2024, 93: 55-67
Effect of parenteral application of β-carotene, α-tocopherol, and selenium on selected antioxidant/oxidant parameters in dairy calves
The aim of this work was to determine the effect of parenteral application of vitamin preparations on selected antioxidant/oxidant parameters. Thirty Holstein heifer calves aged 7–10 days were divided into three groups: control group (no vitamin supplementation); experimental group A (application of α-tocopherol and selenium); and experimental group B (application of α-tocopherol and β-carotene). The first blood sampling and at the same time the first parenteral application of the vitamin formula in experimental groups A and B were performed in heifers at the age of 7–10 days and then again at the age of 35 days. The last blood sampling was performed at the age of 70 days. The following main parameters were determined in the blood of heifers: retinol, α-tocopherol, β-carotene, selenium (Se), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and malondialdehyde (MDA). Group B showed a significantly higher concentration of β-carotene (P < 0.001; P < 0.01) and α-tocopherol (P < 0.05) at the second sampling compared to the control group and group A. At the third collection, a higher concentration of α-tocopherol was observed in group B (P < 0.001) and A (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. The TAC and GPx activity in calves was significantly higher in the third sampling in group A compared to the control group (for TAC; P < 0.05) and group B (for TAC; P < 0.05; GPx P < 0.01). Repeated parenteral administration of the vitamin preparation had a significant effect on some of the selected antioxidant parameters in calves. On the other hand, during the period of expected increased oxidative stress, a sharp decrease in most antioxidant parameters was observed.
Keywords
Oxidative stress, vitamins, glutathione–peroxidase, malondialdehyde.
Funding
This study was supported by the grant IGA 105/2022/FVL, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno.
