Metabolic, oxidoreductive and immune profile of dairy buffaloes from the prepartum to postpartum based on different levels of non- esterified fatty acids

Abstract Metabolic adaptations to negative energy balance as lipomobilization may influence inflammatory responses, immune function and oxidative stress in animals. The aim of this study was to assess the metabolic, oxidoreductive and immune status of buffaloes from prepartum to postpartum period by grouping animals according to mild, medium, or severe lipomobilization. Seventy-six Mediterranean Buffaloes were enrolled and a weekly blood sample was taken from 7 weeks before to 6 weeks after calving. The concentration of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) was determined in serum and used to divide buffaloes at 7 weeks before calving into: mild (NEFA-I; NEFA ≤ 0.29 mEq/L; n = 18), medium (NEFA-II; 0.29 < NEFA < 0.57 mEq/L; n = 20), and severe (NEFA-III; NEFA ≥ 0.57 mEq/L; n = 38) lipomobilization groups. Two-way ANOVA was used to assess changes between groups and over time. Differences were found in the concentration of NEFA, β-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, cholesterol, protein profile, oxygen radicals, antioxidant, lysozyme, complement and minerals. These results suggest a greater or lesser severity in energy metabolism and oxidative stress in the medium and severe lipomobilization groups.