REDOX STATUS AND OXIDATIVE STRESS IN BOVINE

Abstract

In the last few years, we have seen a marked increase in the number of articles emphasizing the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of multiple cattle diseases and processes. Since the term oxidative stress (OS), defined as the imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants, was coined, the physiological and pathological roles of both have also been described. This has shown that understanding the relationship between the two components, known as redox status, is a very useful tool in establishing the health and disease status of cattle. OS has been related to production diseases, metabolic diseases - such as ketosis, fatty liver, and even hypocalcaemia - and reproductive diseases. These include both maternal diseases - like those connected with numerous pathologies such as placental retention, udder oedema, or mastitis - and foetal growth. Finally, the term metabolic stress has been established. It relates OS itself to lipid mobilization and immune system dysfunction, similar to the so-called metabolic syndrome in humans. Metabolic stress describes the catabolic response to the alteration of physiological homeostasis and is characterized by excessive lipid mobilization, immune and inflammatory dysfunction, and OS.