Oxidative stress during peripartum period in mares: field study

Oxidative stress has been shown to occur in dairy cattle around calving, but there is no current data on similar phenomenon in periparturient mares. In a previous study we found a decrease of Ferric Reducing Ability (FRAP) in mares’ sera around parturition, suggesting non-enzymatic antioxidant molecule consumption during this period. Since this mechanism could lead to redox imbalance, the aim of the present study was to investigate the possible insurgence of oxidative stress in mares around foaling by analyzing the same samples. Levels of Reactive Oxygen Molecules (ROMs) were measured by colorimetric method on blood samples collected from 17 Thoroughbred mares at days -24 (T1), +1 (T2) and +9 (T3) relative to parturition. No significant variation was detected in ROMs concentration at the intervals considered. These findings seem to exclude the occurrence of oxidative stress during the peripartum period in mares. Further research is needed to better define the mechanisms involved in oxidative status regulation around foaling.