Impact of The Ageing on Oxidant/Antioxidant Balance And Hematology of Indigenous Cow and Its Amelioration by Ascorbic Acid

Abstract

Ageing is a complex biological process of all flora and fauna. It leads to a gradual reduction in the ability to maintain homeostasis under internal physiological and external environmental stresses, hence reducing the viability of individual's and increasing their vulnerability to diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate the alteration in the oxidant /antioxidant balance and hematology in four different age group of indigenous Tharparkar cattle and its amelioration by ascorbic acid. A total 24 female Tharparkar cattle were included and were categorized into 4 groups of six cows in each group. Animals below 1 year-age were kept in group I, between 1 to 8 year-age in group II, between 8-10 year-age in group III and above 10 year-age in group IV. The oxidant/antioxidant markers (LPO, SOD, GSH, GPX and catalase activity) and haematological panels (Hb, TEC, TLC, Platelet and DLC) were determined on day 0, before ascorbic acid supplementation, and on day 6, 12, 18 and 24 post ascorbic acid supplementation. In the present study LPO and SOD levels were significantly (P < 0.05) increased with the ageing. GSH and GPX activities significantly (P < 0.05) decreased with ageing in different age groups. Variations in hematological parameters were also observed with ageing in different age groups. The geriatric cattle (> 10 years) exhibited remarkable alteration in oxidative stress indices, and haematological panels when compared to other groups. Supplementation of ascorbic acid reduced the oxidative stress and improved hemoglobin, PCV, TEC and TLC levels. From the findings of this study, it can be inferred that administration of ascorbic acid is helpful in ameliorating altered oxidant/antioxidant balance and hematological parameters with ageing in various age groups of cattle.