Efeitos da suplementação com antioxidantes nos parâmetros hematológicos de bezerras lactentes da raça holandesa

Abstract

Calf growth is challenged by environmental, sanitary, and nutritional stress, which exposes calves to oxidative stress and increases their susceptibility to diseases. Ensuring adequate sanitary and nutritional conditions is crucial for calves to overcome these challenges, develop good health, and become productive and long-lived animals. In this context, antioxidant supplementation emerges as a promising strategy to promote calf health and well-being. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antioxidant supplementation on the hematological response of lactating Holstein female calves. Thirty calves were randomly divided into two groups: a supplemented group (received weekly oral supplementation with an antioxidant-based formulation) and a control group (received weekly oral supplementation with the same base formulation but without antioxidants). The experiment lasted 63 days with weekly supplementation. Blood samples were collected every 21 days during the experiment for complete blood count analysis. Oral supplementation with antioxidants demonstrated significant results in modulating hematological parameters. An increase in hematocrit, erythrocytes and hemoglobin compared to the control group. Furthermore, supplementation significantly increased leukocytes, especially lymphocytes, indicating improvement in the innate immune response. These findings suggest that antioxidant supplementation may be an effective strategy for improving hematological and immunological health in calves.