Haematological, Oxidative Stress and Trace Elements Variations Associated with Emaciation in Pre-Slaughter White Fulani Cows

Abstract Pre-slaughter White Fulani cows were purposively sampled on the basis of body condition: emaciated (n=37) and non-emaciated (n=37), with the objective of understanding the intricate interplay of oxidative stress, trace elements and haematological variations during emaciation. Blood was drawn from the jugular vein for haematological analysis and accruing serum was used for the evaluation of malondialdehyde (oxidative stress marker), antioxidant enzymes and compounds, serum protein, electrolytes as well as trace elements. Significant (p < 0.05) differences between the emaciated and non-emaciated cows were established only in the values of copper and reduced glutathione (GSH), which were lower in emaciated cows (EC). None of the animals had packed cell volume (PCV) below the normal reference range, however values above the normal (> 46%) were seen, suggesting dehydration. The PCV in emaciated cattle was slightly lower than in non-emaciated cows. The mean malondialdehyde concentration in non-emaciated cattle was higher than that in emaciated ones, however antioxidants SOD, catalase, Vitamin C and zinc were slightly higher in non-emaciated cows (NEC). Overall, the results indicate that emaciation in studied White Fulani cows (WFC) displayed a variable redox homeostasis confounded by dehydration and depletion of antioxidants.