Association of oxidative stress biomarkers and clinical mastitis incidence in dairy cows during the periparturient period

Introduction: The aim of this study was to determine changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS), serum antioxidant capacity (SAC), oxidative stress index (OSi), and alpha-tocopherol (alpha-T) during the periparturient period in healthy and mastitic cows and to further investigate whether these parameters can be used as a tool for identifying cows at higher risk of developing mastitis. Material and Methods: Blood samples from 110 dairy cows from two commercial farms were obtained at dry-off, calving, and 30 days post-partum. Healthy cows formed group A (n = 90) and mastitic cows B (n = 20). Blood serum was obtained by centrifugation, and the aforementioned parameters were determined. A general linear model was used for analysing the associations among the determined blood parameters, the health of the animals' udder, and the sampling time. Results: ROS and OSi values were higher (P < 0.001) by a respective 14% and 26%, and SAC values lower (P < 0.001) by 10% in group B than in group A at calving. ROC curve analysis revealed that all determined parameters at calving and alpha-T at dry-off and 30 days post-partum had excellent or acceptable predicting ability for mastitis incidence. Conclusion: This information provides a tool for early identification of cows at high risk of developing mastitis, allowing the implementation of intervention strategies.