Etiology of Oxidative Stress in Dairy Cow

Farm animals are exposed to a range of stresses that negatively affect productive and reproductive performances. In dairy cows, four main groups of stress can be identified that cause disturbance in the redox homeostasis of cells and tissues and may be the etiological agent of oxidative stress. The peripartum period, heat stress, mastitis, and high stocking density participate in the induction of oxidative stress and may be considered important physiological, environmental, disease, and psychological stresses in the productive career of dairy cattle. Oxidative stress, during the productive life of dairy cow, may be the main cause of immune and inflammatory dysfunction that increases incidence of health problems in these animals. The administration of antioxidants can protect dairy cows from oxidative stress conditions, and several novel compounds are promising for future applications to counteract oxidative stress in dairy cows.