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In this study, effect high-energy diet with supplemented with copper and zinc on oxidative stress, leukocyte function and reproductive performance during the transition period in the crossbred cow under tropical settings. Advanced pregnant crossbred cows of two to four parity and lactation yield of >10 L/day were divided into three equal groups (n = 10 cow/group). Group I cows were fed basal diet to serve as control. Group II cows were supplemented with 20% additional concentrate, copper (15.7/kg DM) and zinc (22 mg/kg DM). Group III cows were provided with only energy in the form of 20% additional concentrate. Copper and zinc were supplemented from −4 before to +8 week of calving, whereas concentrate was given from +2 to +8 week after calving. Blood samples were collected at weekly interval from −4 to +8 week of calving. Group II had a significantly lower MDA, higher TAC and decreased activity of SOD and CAT than that of Group I (P < 0.05). Phagocytic activity and lymphocytic activity increased from 3 to 8 weeks postpartum (P < 0.05) in Group II and III indicating early restoration of leukocyte function. Resumption of postpartum oestrus was shorter in group II (P < 0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat stress during the transition period of dairy cows disturbs the homeostasis of their physiology and ultimately their health and production. Our objective was to study the seasonal variations of plasma cortisol levels and the expression of inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of 12 periparturient Sahiwal cows. Blood samples were obtained at weekly intervals from three weeks prepartum to three weeks postpartum during the winter (Temperature–humidity index, THI = 59.7) and summer (THI = 81.5) seasons. Gene expression study of pro-inflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines was done by RT-PCR and plasma cortisol by sandwich ELISA. The plasma concentration of cortisol and the relative mRNA expression of various inflammatory cytokines in PBMC were higher (p< 0.01) in the summer compared to winter season irrespective of the days of the transition period. Highest levels of cortisol and greater expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines were recorded on the day of calving in both seasons. Our study showed a higher inflammatory response, immune disturbance and greater levels of the stress hormone (cortisol) during the summer season, particularly on the day of calving. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Present study was conducted on Sahiwal and Karan Fries (Holstein Friesian X Tharparkar) heifers to investigate the ameliorative effect of astaxanthin supplementation on oxidative stress and attainment of puberty during summer season. The heifers of both the breeds were equally divided into two groups i.e. control (fed as per ICAR, 2013) and treatment groups (additionally supplemented with astaxanthin @ 0.25 mg/kgBW/day/animal). THI was calculated at fortnightly interval during experimental period to assess the level of summer stress. The physiological responses were recorded and blood samples were collected at fortnightly interval from both the groups of both the breeds. The physiological response (RR, PR and RT) and plasma TBARS was (P ≤ 0.05) higher in control compared to treatment group of both the breeds. Plasma TAC and GH were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher, while, IGF-1 was numerically higher in treatment group of Sahiwal and Karan Fries heifers than control group. Astaxanthin supplementation alleviated the adverse effect of heat stress and improved the weight gain of heifers and hence helps in early attainment of puberty through conservation of energy, which could be otherwise used in dissipation of heat stress. The result was more pronounced in KF than Sahiwal heifers due to their exotic inheritance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]