Oxidative state of ewes with different number of parity during gestation and lactation

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to assess the changes in some indicators of oxidative status during pregnancy and lactation in sheep of different parity. Dorset x Suffolk ewes were classified by number of parity: 1, 2 and ≥4. They were sampled before pregnancy and on the first, second, third, and fourth months, then on day 143 of pregnancy, as well as on day 5 after birth and after one month of lactation. Antioxidant capacity was found to have two reductions, the first during the second month of pregnancy and the second on day 5 of lactation. Susceptibility to lipid oxidation decreased with an increased number of parturitions. A reduction in lipid oxidation was observed on day 143 of gestation relative to the other samplings during gestation and lactation. Total glutathione peroxidase activity increased when the two reductions in antioxidant capacity took place. Ascorbic acid decreased during lactation and gestation; the lowest values were recorded in the third month of gestation. It is concluded that susceptibility to lipid oxidation decreases with the number of parturitions and that in ewes, during gestation and lactation, there is a mechanism that prevents lipid oxidation involving changes in antioxidant capacity, glutathione peroxidase and ascorbic acid.