Study of the oxidative metabolism of lambs subjected to road and treated with vitamin E

• Grant number: 12/02368-2
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2012
• End date: December 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Veterinary Medicine
• Principal Investigator: Maria Claudia Araripe Sucupira
• Grantee: Fernanda Barbosa
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Animal welfare and product quality have become of concern to the production chain. In the process of sheep meat production, there is a need to transport this animal to slaughter. In addition to direct consequences such as bruises, fractures, and dehydration, the transport can lead to stress triggers physiological and behavioral changes, affecting the welfare and health of animals. Stress can be both psychological (fear and apprehension), and physical and also interferes with animal performance and meat quality. In cattle and pig production, whose consumer market values meat quality, studies show the problem of oxidative and metabolic stress and highlight the potential benefits of using antioxidants. This study aims to assess the weight, body condition score, vital functions, and serum malondialdehyde, erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, reduced glutathione, the total antioxidant capacity of serum and FRAP concentrations of lambs subjected to the stress of transportation and check whether there is benefit in the prior administration of two doses of vitamin E. (AU)