Examination of the redox status of calves during the milk feeding period in a Hungarian large-scale dairy farm

Abstract

During the milk feeding period (from birth to weaning, generally for 60-70 days), calves receive feed milk or milk replacer rich in both protein and energy. Young animals show intense physical development and growth. Intensive oxidative metabolic processes, inadequate antioxidant defense system, oxidative stress can develop, which adversely affects the health and productivity of calves due to its cell-damaging effects. This justifies continuous monitoring of the redox status of the animals during the calf rearing period for early detection of oxidative stress. This may provide a basis for targeted antioxidant treatments to reduce calf disease-related losses.