Effect of lameness due to claw disorders on oxidative and mineral profile of crossbred cattle

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of lameness due to claw disorders on oxidative parameters and mineral profile, 34 crossbred dairy cattle were selected from 11 dairy farms. Lame animals were categorized based on locomotion score, hoof lesions and severity of disease. Significant increase in MDA level (25.90±1.32 nmol MDA/ml) along with significant decrease in SOD level (35.30±0.98 U/mg of Hb) was recorded among lame animals compared to control (2.55±0.36 nmol MDA/ml and 49.53±0.54 U/mg of Hb, respectively). GPx activity decreased non-significantly (3.82±0.31 U/ mg of Hb) compared to healthy animals (4.65±0.64 U/mg of Hb). Analysis of plasma mineral profile revealed significant decline in the average levels of Cu, Ca and Pi (6.34±0.25 μmol/l, 8.94±0.25 mg/dl and 3.44±0.13 mg/dl, respectively) compared to control (22.06±0.77 μmol/l, 10.66±0.50 mg/dl and 4.47±0.21 mg/dl, respectively). Study concludes that the antioxidant defence system is compromised in lame cows and such animals need mineral supplementation especially Ca, P and Cu.

Keywords

• Claw disorders
• Crossbred cattle
• Lameness
• Oxidative stress
• Trace minerals
• zinc