Seasonal Effects on Oxidative Stress Markers and Economic Traits in Egyptian Buffaloes during the Transition Period

Sayed, Mayada; Mikhail, Wafai Z; Sobhy, Hassan; Hegazy, Mohamed; Eid, Laila

doi:10.21608/ejvs.2025.378866.2802

Seasonal Effects on Oxidative Stress Markers and Economic Traits in Egyptian Buffaloes during the Transition Period

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Animal Production Research Institute (APRI), Agricultural Research Center (ARC), Dokki, Giza, Egypt.

² Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of African Postgraduate Studies, Cairo University

³ Department of Natural Resources, Faculty of African Postgraduate Studies, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.

10.21608/ejvs.2025.378866.2802

Abstract

Fourteen pluriparous pregnant Egyptian buffaloes weighing 450±25 kg on average were used. The animals were divided into two groups of seven animals each. The first group went into the transition period during the summer season (July, August, September, and October), while the second group underwent transition in the winter months of November, December, and January. The current study was set out to determine: 1) the seasonal effects (Where buffalo in transition) on some oxidative stress markers. 2) The seasonal effects on some economic productive and reproductive variables. 3) The correlation between oxidative stress markers and the studied traits. Results showed an increase in TAC, MDA, and SOD as oxidative stress markers (p < 0.0001) in response to the season of the year, time from calving (pre/post), and their interaction. The buffalo females that transited during the summer had longer (P < 0.01) days open and gestation length. The season of the year significantly affects the daily and total milk yield, lactation period. According to the current study, heat stress during transition period increased the buffalo oxidative stress, and negatively influenced the buffalo’s reproductive performance and milk production traits. Therefore, to avoid the bad effects of heat stress on the buffalo breeding industry, it would be better to improve the animal's macro-environment by adopting strategies that limit the harmful effects of heat stress, minimizing monetary losses and to meet with SDG2 and SDG 13 concerning hunger and Climatic changes.

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