Total antioxidant capacity, neutrophil profile, in vitro phagocytic activity, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and IL-8 status in uterine infected Murrah buffaloes during peripartum period

The present experiment was carried out with the objective to investigate the antioxidant status of peripartum Murrah buffaloes by assessing total antioxidant capacity (TAC), neutrophil profile, in vitro phagocytic activity, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, IL-8. Based on uterine fluid scoring, white side test buffaloes (n=24) were classified into healthy (n=11) and uterine infected buffaloes (n=13). Blood samples were collected 7 day before calving (day 7), on day of calving (day 0) and after calving (day 7. 14, 21 and 35) for estimation of the mentioned parameters and uterine fluid samples were collected during postpartum period. i.e. day 7, 14, 21, 35 after calving for grouping of buffaloes. Results showed that TAC concentration decreased on day of calving and elevated afterwards whereas the percentage of neutrophils was significantly higher on 14th, 21th and 35th day after calving in uterine infected buffaloes compared to healthy group. Phagocytic activity was lower during peripartum period and IL-8 concentration was significantly higher on 21 day after calving in uterine infected buffaloes as compared to healthy buffaloes. Pearson correlation between serum TAC with uterine score gave a non-significant correlation of -0.33. From the above research it can be concluded that lower concentration of TAC, decreased phagocytic activity of neutrophils in uterine infected buffaloes indicate poor anti-oxidant status to combat against oxidative stress making animals susceptible to infections. Therefore, proper nutritional management with additives should be provided during peripartum period to reduce the incidence of uterine infections as well as for better welfare.