Oxidant-antioxidants and trace mineral status in Coccidiosis affecting buffalo calves

A major cause of economic losses among cattle breeders is calf diarrhea; bovine coccidiosis can cause a severe constriction on animal productivity and is associated with diarrhea. This study aimed to investigate the biochemical, and oxidative stress parameters in diarrhetic buffalo calves. A total number of 16 buffalo calves enrolled in this study. Calves aged between 3 and 6 months and divided into diarrhetic calves ( N = 10) and healthy calves ( n = 6). Clinical signs were recorded, and fecal samples were taken and examined for the presence of Eimeria oocytes. A total of 10 ml of blood was withdrawn from the jugular vein to estimate superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total protein, albumin, zinc, and copper. The most recorded signs were diarrhea and unthriftiness. Macroscopic findings showed offensive odor diarrhea. Mucous was detected in fecal samples. Significant elevation in MDA along with a significant reduction in zinc, copper, TAC, SOD, catalase, and GPx was recorded in diarrhetic calves compared to control calves. Diarrhea in calves caused by Eimeria spp. is associated with oxidative status in the form of elevated oxidative side (MDA) and severe depletion in antioxidant side (SOD, GPX, CAT, and TAC). Reduction in trace minerals was recorded and could be attributed to its role in the formation of antioxidant enzymes and their subsequent depletion.