Proof of Oxidative Stress | The Importance of Balanced Nutrition

Friday, September 03, 2010

The Importance of Balanced Nutrition
       Signs of Oxidative Stress
       Proof of Oxidative Stress
       Solutions to Oxidative Stress
       Putting the Program Together

What the Experts Say
       Cow Comfort
       High Producing Dairy Cows
       Minimize Mastitis
       Mycotoxins in Silage
       Balancing Rations for Amino Acids

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Proof of Oxidative Stress

Research shows that oxidative stress happens when the animal is challenged. Even high-producing cows can suffer from oxidative challenge. Studies show disease challenge and compromised immune systems result in a higher susceptibility to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals are generated to kill bacteria but the antioxidant capacity to remove the excessive free radicals is compromised. High metabolic demands in the animal can also put a burden on the oxidative status of the animal. Researchers have reported higher oxidative stress in high-producing cows during the initiation of lactation.

Oxidative stress is especially noticeable when a cow has a high body-condition score. These cattle are prone to metabolic diseases associated with excessive mobilization of adipose tissue.

Environmental conditions can also play a role in the oxidative challenge of the cow. During calving, cows are immunosuppressed. In the spring, weather is mild enough that a cow has only one challenge — calving. On the other hand, during the summer a cow has two stresses — calving and heat stress. During heat stress, dairy cows are more apt to suffer from oxidative stress during the transition period than under more optimal ambient temperatures. With these two stresses, TBARS increase, indicating oxidative stress.

Role of Nutrition

Nutrition is known to play an important role in oxidative balance, as nutrients are important for synthesis of and as cofactors for enzymes. Specific ingredients or ingredient components can provide protection against pathogen invasion or exposure. Certain nutrients also play a role in oxidative balance by enhancing tissue integrity, thus enhancing the barrier to free-radical attack. One way to manage oxidative balance is through a comprehensive nutritional approach that manages ingredients for quality, minimizes pathogen exposure, optimizes response to vaccination, maximizes tissue integrity and supports optimal functioning of the normal antioxidant system.

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