Comparison of antioxidant defence parameters in colostrum and milk between Berrichon du Cher ewes and Uhrusk ewes

The aim of the study was to evaluate the profile of antioxidant parameters in ewes' colostrum and milk in relation to breed during 5 d post partum. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was analysed and the activity of the enzymic antioxidants, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione transferase (GSH-Tr), as well as the concentration of the non-enzymic antioxidants, vitamin C, vitamin A and beta-carotene, were measured. Samples were collected from healthy animals belonging to two ewe breeds: Berrichon du Cher (n=15) and Uhrusk (n=15) kept in the Podlasie Province (Poland). Colostrum was sampled directly after parturition, as well as after 12, 24 and 48 h later and milk was sampled 5 d after parturition. Colostrum and milk for the evaluation of all parameters except for vitamin A and beta-carotene were centrifuged, and the supernatant was used for further analysis. Spectrophotometric methods were used for biochemical measurements. The results showed dynamic changes of antioxidative parameters within the time period examined. TAC values and GSH-Px activity increased significantly during the experiment. GSH-Tr activity showed a similar tendency in Uhrusk ewes but an opposite relationship in Berrichon du Cher. Concentrations of examined vitamins followed the increasing trends noticed in the activities of antioxidative enzymes. Moreover, differences between breeds in the evaluated parameters were detected; these differences were not unequivocal however. The results are also a source of not previously published physiological antioxidant profile in colostrum and milk of ewes over the post-partum period.