Blood antioxidant profile and lipid peroxides in dairy cows with clinical mastitis

Aim: To evaluate blood antioxidant profile and lipid peroxides in dairy cows with clinical mastitis. Materials and Methods: Twelve cases of clinical mastitis in cross-bred cows were selected based on physical examination of udder and milk, California Mastitis Test (CMT), Somatic Cell Count (SCC) and confirmation by bacteriological examination of milk and requisite biochemical tests. Twelve lactating cows showing negative CMT reaction and SCC <2x10(5) cells/ml were considered as healthy control. Antioxidant parameters measured in blood were superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration. Erythrocytic lipid peroxidation (LPO) was measured in terms of malondialdehyde (MDA) production. Results: Significant (P<0.05) decrease in blood SOD and catalase activities, GSH concentration and an increase in erythrocytic lipid peroxides was observed in cows with clinical mastitis. Conclusion: It is concluded that there is a compromise in antioxidant defense of the body in dairy cows with clinical mastitis resulting in oxidative damage, therefore, necessitate the use of antioxidants and other protective compounds along with conventional therapy for mastitis control.