Research Information System
Veterinarski Arhiv, vol.87, no.5, pp.557-570, 2017 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
The aims of this study were to evaluate the Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in milk, and various milk parameters [milk fat, milk protein, milk solids non-fat (SNF), somatic cell count (SCC), total bacteria count (TBC), electrical conductivity (EC)] in healthy dairy cows during lactation, and to demonstrate the significant correlations between GSH-Px activity, milk composition, SCC, TBC and EC under seasonal variations. The cows calving in January were assigned into the winter group (n = 30) while the other cows calving in August were assigned into the summer group (n = 30). Milk samples were collected weekly during lactation, and monthly average values of the parameters were determined. Although milk GSH-Px activity was variable during lactation, it was significantly higher in the winter group compared to the summer group of cows during the first five months of lactation (P<0.001). However, between the 6th and 10th months of lactation, GSH-Px activity was significantly higher in the summer group (P<0.001). In both groups of cows, GSH-Px activity was negatively correlated with SCC, TBC and EC during lactation. No correlation was found between GSH-Px activity and milk composition. In conclusion, the alteration of milk GSH-Px levels could be used as a diagnostic tool for monitoring udder health due to its relationship with the parameters of subclinical mastitis. Furthermore, cows calving in winter had higher GSH-Px activity than those calving in summer, especially during the first few months of lactation. These findings indicate that milk GSH-Px activity in cows during lactation could be influenced by seasonal variations.