Acta Vet. Brno 2025, 94: 273-280
Association of antioxidant administrations to udder health and milk quality in Awassi ewes
This study aimed to investigate the effect of antioxidant administration on udder health in Awassi ewes. The animals were divided into two groups as control (C; n = 25) and treatment groups (T; n = 25). Group T was treated with vitamins (E and B1) and selenium (Se) on day 0 of the study. In groups, blood samples were collected on day 0 (1st measurement time) and day 14 (2nd measurement time) of the study, and milk samples were taken on day 14. In blood samples, total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and selected biochemical indices were analysed. In milk samples, TAS, TOS, somatic cell count (SCC) analyses and pathogen isolation including fungi and bacteria were performed. In addition, oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated for both milk and blood samples. In Group T, TAS level increased from 1st t to 2nd measurements (P < 0.01). At the time of 2nd measurement, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and cholesterol levels decreased in Group T compared to Group C (P < 0.01). In Group T, cholesterol decreased at 2nd measurement compared to 1st measurement (P < 0.01). It was found that milk TAS increased in Group T (P < 0.01). However, milk SCC, TOS and OSI levels decreased in Group T (P < 0.01). Fungal isolation rate was significantly lower in milk samples collected from Group T compared to Group C (P < 0.01). Antioxidant treatment positively affected udder health indicators in terms of milk SCC, fungal organism growth, and oxidative stress.
Keywords
Funding
The authors would like to thank laboratory veterinarian Şifa Karahan for her support in microbiological studies.
