Academic Journal
View in EDS
Linked Full Text

Administration of antioxidants at parturition in Italian Mediterranean lactating buffaloes: findings in the postpartum.

Bibliographic Details
Title: Administration of antioxidants at parturition in Italian Mediterranean lactating buffaloes: findings in the postpartum.
Authors: Frattina L; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, S.P. per Casamassima km. 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy., Carbonari A; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, S.P. per Casamassima km. 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy., Burgio M; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, S.P. per Casamassima km. 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy. matteo.burgio@uniba.it., Bramante G; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, S.P. per Casamassima km. 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy., Andriulo OM; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, S.P. per Casamassima km. 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy., Ceci E; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, S.P. per Casamassima km. 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy., Galdieri C; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, S.P. per Casamassima km. 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy., D'Onghia A; Associazione Regionale Allevatori Puglia, Strada Comunale San Nicola 2, 70017, Putignano, BA, Italy., Cicirelli V; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, S.P. per Casamassima km. 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy., Rizzo A; Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, S.P. per Casamassima km. 3, 70010, Valenzano, BA, Italy.
Source: Tropical animal health and production [Trop Anim Health Prod] 2026 Jun 12; Vol. 58 (5). Date of Electronic Publication: 2026 Jun 12.
Publication Type: Journal Article
Language: English
Journal Info: Publisher: Springer Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 1277355 Publication Model: Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1573-7438 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 00494747 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Trop Anim Health Prod Subsets: MEDLINE
Imprint Name(s): Publication: 2005- : Heidelberg : Springer
Original Publication: Edinburgh, Livingstone.
MeSH Terms: Buffaloes*/physiology , Lactation*/drug effects , Antioxidants*/administration & dosage , alpha-Tocopherol*/administration & dosage , Milk*/chemistry , beta Carotene*/administration & dosage, Injections, Intramuscular/veterinary ; Animals ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Parturition ; Postpartum Period ; Italy ; Vitamin A
Abstract: The transition period is an extremely critical phase for the Mediterranean lactating buffaloes, characterized by a state of oxidative stress. Oral administration of antioxidants is common. However, the aim of this study was to evaluate whether the intramuscular administration of a vitamin combination, containing α-tocopherol and β-carotene, could improve both milk quality and reproductive performance. The animals were divided into two groups: a group treated, at 24 h postpartum, with a vitamin combination (group D) and a control group (C). For milk quality, concentrations of retinol, α-tocopherol, fat, protein, lactose, Somatic Cell Count (SCC), non-fat dry matter (NFDM), casein, urea, pH, satured fatty acids (SFA), unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and poliunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in milk were assessed at 7 and 30 days post-treatment. Reproductive performance was evaluated using two parameters: pregnancy rate and the calving-conception interval. Retinol concentrations did not differ significantly between groups or across time points. α-tocopherol levels were significantly higher in group D compared to group C at T30 (0.35 ± 0.016 vs. 0.27 ± 0.015 mg/100 g; p < 0.05), whereas in group C exhibited a significant decrease over time. Fat, SFA, UFA, MUFA, and PUFA levels were significantly elevated in group D relative to group C (p < 0.05), while SCC showed a significant reduction in the treated group than the control one (104.4 ± 20.12 vs. 136.6 ± 32.24 × 10³ cells/mL; p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in pregnancy rates; however, the calving-conception interval was significantly shortened in group D (62.23 ± 6.17 vs. 72.88 ± 5.49 days; p < 0.01). The obtained results indicate that the parenteral administration of the vitamin combination was associated with changes in selected milk quality parameters and with a shorter calving-conception interval.
(© 2026. The Author(s).)
Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: None of the authors of this paper has a financial or personal relationship with other people or organizations that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper.
References: Baldi A, Savoini G, Pinotti L, Monfardini E, Cheli F, Orto VD (2000) Effects of Vitamin E and Different Energy Sources on Vitamin E Status, Milk Quality and Reproduction in Transition Cows*. J Vet Med Ser A 47(10):599–608. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0442.2000.00323.x. (PMID: 10.1046/j.1439-0442.2000.00323.x)
Barile VL (2005) Improving reproductive efficiency in female buffaloes. Livest Prod Sci 92(3):183–194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livprodsci.2004.06.014. (PMID: 10.1016/j.livprodsci.2004.06.014)
Beg MA, Totey SM (1999) The oestrous cycle, oestrous behaviour and the endocrinology of the oestrous cycle in the buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Anim Breed Abstracts 67(5).
Boro P, Debnath J, Das TK, Naha BC, Debbarma N, Debbarma P, Debbarma C, Devi LSB, Devi TG (2018) Milk composition and factors affecting it in dairy Buffaloes: A review. J Entomol Zool Stud 6(April):340–343. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325498776.
Bouda J, Jagoš P, Dvořák V, Hamšík V (1980) Vitamin A and Carotene Metabolism in Cows and their Calves Fed from Buckets. Acta Vet Brno 49(1–2):45–52. https://doi.org/10.2754/avb198049010045. (PMID: 10.2754/avb198049010045)
Contreras GA, O’Boyle NJ, Herdt TH, Sordillo LM (2010) Lipomobilization in periparturient dairy cows influences the composition of plasma nonesterified fatty acids and leukocyte phospholipid fatty acids. J Dairy Sci 93(6):2508–2516. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2009-2876. (PMID: 10.3168/jds.2009-287620494158)
Costa A, Negrini R, De Marchi M, Campanile G, Neglia G (2020) Phenotypic characterization of milk yield and quality traits in a large population of water buffaloes. Animals 10(2). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10020327.
Das GK, Khan FA (2010) Summer anoestrus in buffalo - a review. Reprod Domest Anim 45(6). https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2010.01598.x.
De Araujo Berber RC, Madureira EH, Baruselli PS (2002) Comparison of two ovsynch protocols (GnRH versus LH) for fixed timed insemination in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). Theriogenology 57(5):1421–1430. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0093-691X(02)00639-8. (PMID: 10.1016/S0093-691X(02)00639-812054201)
Deepak D, De UK, Sarkar TK, Katoch S, John JK, Sarkar VK (2024) Strategic administration of antioxidant multiminerals and vitamins to transitional buffaloes augments antioxidant and udder defense mechanisms in early lactation. Res Vet Sci 172(February). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105253.
Fiore E, Gianesella M, Arfuso F, Giudice E, Piccione G, Lora M, Stefani A, Morgante M (2014) Glucose infusion response on some metabolic parameters in dairy cows during transition period. Archives Anim Breed 57(1):1–9. https://doi.org/10.7482/0003-9438-57-003. (PMID: 10.7482/0003-9438-57-003)
Fiore E, Giambelluca S, Morgante M, Contiero B, Mazzotta E, Vecchio D, Vazzana I, Rossi P, Arfuso F, Piccione G, Gianesella M (2017) Changes in some blood parameters, milk composition and yield of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) during the transition period. Anim Sci J 88(12):2025–2032. https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.12872. (PMID: 10.1111/asj.1287228776872)
Fiore E, Arfuso F, Gianesella M, Vecchio D, Morgante M, Mazzotta E, Badon T, Rossi P, Bedin S, Piccione G (2018) Metabolic and hormonal adaptation in Bubalus bubalis around calving and early lactation. PLoS ONE 13(4):1–13. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0193803. (PMID: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193803)
Franklin ST, Sorenson CE, Hammell DC (1998) Influence of Vitamin A Supplementation in Milk on Growth, Health, Concentrations of Vitamins in Plasma, and Immune Parameters of Calves. J Dairy Sci 81(10):2623–2632. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(98)75820-5. (PMID: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(98)75820-59812268)
Garau V, Manis C, Scano P, Caboni P (2021) Compositional Characteristics of Mediterranean Buffalo Milk and Whey. Dairy 2(3):469–488. https://doi.org/10.3390/dairy2030038. (PMID: 10.3390/dairy2030038)
Gokuldas PP, Yadav MC, Kumar H, Singh G, Mahmood S, Tomar AKS (2010) Resumption of ovarian cyclicity and fertility response in bull-exposed postpartum buffaloes. Anim Reprod Sci 121(3–4):236–241. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.06.005. (PMID: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.06.00520650574)
González-Maldonado J, Rangel-Santos R, Rodríguez-de Lara R, de Lara Rodríguez, Ramírez-Valverde R, Ramírez Bribiesca G, Vigil-Vigil JE, J. M., García-Espinosa MF (2019) Effects of injecting increased doses of vitamins C and E on reproductive parameters of Holstein dairy cattle. Revista Mexicana de Ciencias Pecuarias 10(3):571–582. https://doi.org/10.22319/rmcp.v10i3.4481. (PMID: 10.22319/rmcp.v10i3.4481)
Graulet B (2014) Ruminant milk: A source of vitamins in human nutrition. Anim Front 4(2):24–30. https://doi.org/10.2527/af.2014-0011. (PMID: 10.2527/af.2014-0011)
Jóźwik A, Krzyzewski J, Strzałkowska N, Poławska E, Bagnicka E, Wierzbicka A, Niemczuk K, Lipińska P, Horbańczuk JO (2012) Relations between the oxidative status, mastitis, milk quality and disorders of reproductive functions in dairy cows - A review. Anim Sci Papers Rep 30(4):297–307.
Kay JK, Roche JR, Kolver ES, Thomson NA, Baumgard LH (2005) A comparison between feeding systems (pasture and TMR) and the effect of vitamin E supplementation on plasma and milk fatty acid profiles in dairy cows. J Dairy Res 72(3):322–332. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022029905000944. (PMID: 10.1017/S002202990500094416174364)
Khan IT, Nadeem M, Imran M, Ullah R, Ajmal M, Jaspal MH (2019) Antioxidant properties of Milk and dairy products: a comprehensive review of the current knowledge. Lipids Health Dis 18(1):41. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12944-019-0969-8. (PMID: 10.1186/s12944-019-0969-8307177356362592)
Kumar M, Kumar R, Sharma A, Jain VK (2007) Investigations on Prevalence and Oxidative Stress Aspects of Mastitis in Buffaloes. Italian J Anim Sci 6(sup2):978–979. https://doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2007.s2.978. (PMID: 10.4081/ijas.2007.s2.978)
Lee GY, Han SN (2018) The Role of Vitamin E in Immunity. Nutrients 10(11):1614. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10111614. (PMID: 10.3390/nu10111614303888716266234)
Liu ZL, Yang DP, Chen P, Dong WX, Wang DM (2008) Supplementation with Selenium and Vitamin E Improves Milk Fat Depression and Fatty Acid Composition in Dairy Cows Fed Fat Diet. Asian-Australasian J Anim Sci 21(6):838–844. https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.2008.70618. (PMID: 10.5713/ajas.2008.70618)
Matera R, Pascarella L, Cotticelli A, Conte G, Tondo A, Campanile G, Neglia G (2023) Milk characteristics and milking efficiency in Italian Mediterranean buffalo. Italian J Anim Sci 22(1):1110–1119. https://doi.org/10.1080/1828051X.2023.2271951. (PMID: 10.1080/1828051X.2023.2271951)
Mattera M, Manzi P, Pizzoferrato L (2007) Buffalo milk and cheese from animal to human nutrition. Part 1: The unsaponifiable fraction. Italian J Anim Sci 6(SUPPL 2):1123–1126. https://doi.org/10.4081/ijas.2007.s2.1123. (PMID: 10.4081/ijas.2007.s2.1123)
Moioli BM, Napolitano F, Puppo S, Barile VL, Terzano GM, Borghese A, Malfatti A, Catalano A, Pilla AM (1998) Patterns of oestrus, time of LH release and ovulation and effects of time of artificial insemination in Mediterranean buffalo cows. Anim Sci 66(1):87–91. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1357729800008869. (PMID: 10.1017/S1357729800008869)
Nasr MAF (2017) The potential effect of temperature-humidity index on productive and reproductive performance of buffaloes with different genotypes under hot conditions. Environ Sci Pollut Res 24(22):18073–18082. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-017-9450-2. (PMID: 10.1007/s11356-017-9450-2)
Nayyar S, Jindal R (2010) Essentiality of antioxidant vitamins for ruminants in relation to stress and reproduction. Iran J Veterinary Res 11(1):1–9.
Neglia G, Gasparrini B, Di Palo R, De Rosa C, Zicarelli L, Campanile G (2003) Comparison of pregnancy rates with two estrus synchronization protocols in Italian Mediterranean Buffalo cows. Theriogenology 60(1):125–133. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0093-691X(02)01328-6. (PMID: 10.1016/S0093-691X(02)01328-612620586)
Noordzij M, Tripepi G, Dekker FW, Zoccali C, Tanck MW, Jager KJ (2010) Sample size calculations: basic principles and common pitfalls. Nephrol Dialysis Transplantation 25(5):1388–1393. https://doi.org/10.1093/ndt/gfp732. (PMID: 10.1093/ndt/gfp732)
Olson SE, Seidel GE (2000) Culture of in vitro-produced bovine embryos with vitamin E improves development in vitro and after transfer to recipients. Biol Reprod 62(2):248–252. https://doi.org/10.1095/biolreprod62.2.248. (PMID: 10.1095/biolreprod62.2.24810642559)
Pasquini M, Osimani A, Tavoletti S, Moreno I, Clementi F, Trombetta MF (2018) Trends in the quality and hygiene parameters of bulk Italian Mediterranean buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) milk: A three year study. Anim Sci J 89(1):176–185. https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.12916. (PMID: 10.1111/asj.1291628961355)
Perera BMAO (2008) Reproduction in domestic buffalo. Reproduction in Domestic Animals 43(SUPPL.2):200–206. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2008.01162.x.
Perera BMAO (2011) Reproductive cycles of buffalo. Anim Reprod Sci 124(3–4):194–199. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.08.022. (PMID: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2010.08.02220869822)
Politis I (2012) Reevaluation of vitamin e supplementation of dairy cows: Bioavailability, animal health and milk quality. Animal 6(9):1427–1434. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1751731112000225. (PMID: 10.1017/S175173111200022523031515)
Politis I, Bizelis I, Tsiaras A, Baldi A (2004) Effect of vitamin E supplementation on neutrophil function, milk composition and plasmin activity in dairy cows in a commercial herd. J Dairy Res 71(3):273–278. https://doi.org/10.1017/S002202990400010X. (PMID: 10.1017/S002202990400010X15354572)
Quigley JD, Drewry JJ (1998) Nutrient and Immunity Transfer from Cow to Calf Pre- and Postcalving. J Dairy Sci 81(10):2779–2790. https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(98)75836-9. (PMID: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(98)75836-99812284)
Rizzo A, Roscino MT, Binetti F, Sciorsci RL (2012) Roles of Reactive Oxygen Species in Female Reproduction. Reprod Domest Anim 47(2):344–352. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01891.x. (PMID: 10.1111/j.1439-0531.2011.01891.x22022825)
Rizzo A, Pantaleo M, Mutinati M, Minoia G, Trisolini C, Ceci E, Sciorsci RL (2013) Blood and milk oxidative status after administration of different antioxidants during early postpartum in dairy cows. Res Vet Sci 95(3):1171–1174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2013.07.016. (PMID: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2013.07.01623962855)
Saugstad OD (2000) Therapy in free radical disease in the newborn. Curr Obstet Gynecol 10(2):103–108. https://doi.org/10.1054/cuog.2000.0116. (PMID: 10.1054/cuog.2000.0116)
Sawa A, Neja W, Bogucki M (2007) Relationships between cytological quality and composition of milk and the effect of some environmental factors on the frequency of recurrent mastitis in cows. J Cent Eur Agric 8(3):295–299.
Sgoifo Rossi CA, Biancardi M, Vandone M, Campagnoli A, Pozzi S, Innocenti ML, Vandoni S, Savoini G, Dell’Orto V (2009) Vitamin E administration in nursing heifers. Large Anim Rev 15(3):105–115.
Sharif A, Ahmad T, Bilal MQ, Yousaf A, Muhammad G (2007) Effect of severity of sub-clinical mastitis on somatic cell count and lactose contents of buffalo milk. Pakistan Vet J 27(3):142–144. http://digilib.unila.ac.id/4949/15/BABII.pdf.
Singh HP, Jain RK, Tiwari D, Mehta MK, Mudgal V (2021) Strategic Supplementation of Antioxidant Micronutrients in Peri-parturient Murrah Buffaloes Helps Augment the Udder Health and Milk Production. Biol Trace Elem Res 199(6):2182–2190. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-020-02319-0. (PMID: 10.1007/s12011-020-02319-032767246)
Smith KL, Hogan JS, Weiss WP (1997) Dietary Vitamin E and Selenium Affect Mastitis and Milk Quality. J Anim Sci 75(6):1659–1665. https://doi.org/10.2527/1997.7561659x. (PMID: 10.2527/1997.7561659x9250530)
Terzano GM (2012) Ultrasonography and reproduction in Buffalo. J Buffalo Sci 1(2). https://doi.org/10.6000/1927-520X.2012.01.02.06.
Varga Z, Kosaras E, Komodi E, Katko M, Karpati I, Balla J, Paragh G, Aisa MC, Galli F (2008) Effects of tocopherols and 2,2′-carboxyethyl hydroxychromans on phorbol-ester-stimulated neutrophils. J Nutr Biochem 19(5):320–327. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2007.05.002. (PMID: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2007.05.00217683924)
Yadav A, Lakhani GP, Roy B, Aharwal B, Ghosh S, Baghel RPS (2018) Economics of Milk Production in Lactating Murrah Buffaloes Supplemented with Mustard Oil. Int J Curr Microbiol Appl Sci 7(11):363–372. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.711.045. (PMID: 10.20546/ijcmas.2018.711.045)
Youssef MA, El-Khodery SA, El-deeb WM, El-Amaiem WEEA (2010) Ketosis in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis): Clinical findings and the associated oxidative stress level. Trop Anim Health Prod 42(8):1771–1777. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-010-9636-9. (PMID: 10.1007/s11250-010-9636-920582718)
Contributed Indexing: Keywords: Buffaloes; Postpartum; Reproductive performance; α-tocopherol; β-carotene
Substance Nomenclature: 0 (Antioxidants)
H4N855PNZ1 (alpha-Tocopherol)
01YAE03M7J (beta Carotene)
11103-57-4 (Vitamin A)
Entry Date(s): Date Created: 20260612 Date Completed: 20260613 Latest Revision: 20260726
Update Code: 20260726
PubMed Central ID: PMC13263305
DOI: 10.1007/s11250-026-05137-z
PMID: 42283949
Database: MEDLINE
Description
ISSN:1573-7438
DOI:10.1007/s11250-026-05137-z