Oxidative status in rambouillet x gaddi of himalayan region during peripartum period

To assess the oxidative stress in sheep of Himalayan region during the peripartum period, a study was conducted on 24 Rambouillet x Gaddi sheep. Based on parity, ewes were equally divided into two groups as Gr 1 (primiparous) and Gr 2 (pluriparous). Blood samples were collected at −4 and -1 week (before lambing) followed by 1, 4 and 8 weeks (post lambing) for the estimation of oxidative agents like malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide-dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione-peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) along with trace minerals (copper and zinc). Along the time, MDA revealed a steady increase up to 1 week post lambing when levels were significantly (P<0.05) higher compared to 8 weeks post lambing. SOD activity in Gr 1 and 2 showed significant (P<0.05) variation at −4 week and -4 and 1 weeks, respectively as compared to 8 weeks post lambing. Catalase activity was significantly (P<0.05) lower at 4 week among Gr 1 and -4, -1, 1 and 4 week among Gr 2 animals. The GPx activity significantly (P<0.05) decreased at −1 week among Gr 1 animals compared to 8 weeks. GST activity in Gr 1 showed significant (P<0.05) decrease at 1 week post lambing; however, no significant difference was observed among Gr 2 animals compared to 8 weeks post lambing. Plasma levels of copper and zinc failed to show any definite pattern. The study concluded that Rambouillet x Gaddi sheep experience decreased antioxidant and trace mineral levels with increased oxidant levels during the peripartum period.