Evaluating the Concentration of Vitamin C and Vitamin E During the Different Stages of Lactation in the Marwari Goats
Pankaj Kumar *
Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Rajasthan-334001, India.
Ruchi Maan
Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Rajasthan-334001, India.
Sandeep Bissu
Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Rajasthan-334001, India.
Sunita Pareek
Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary and Animal Science, Bikaner, Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Rajasthan-334001, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Lactation is accompanied by metabolic adjustments that may influence circulating non-enzymatic antioxidants.
Aim: This study evaluated serum vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (α-tocopherol) in Marwari goats at defined stages of lactation.
Methods: Eighty apparently healthy Marwari goats from the Bikaner region were examined, comprising 20 dry, non-pregnant control animals and 60 lactating does. The lactating animals were assessed across three intervals: days 0–25, 26–50, and 51–75. Blood was collected by jugular venepuncture; serum vitamin C and vitamin E were determined using the reported titrimetric and spectrophotometric procedures, respectively. Group differences were analysed using one-way analysis of variance.
Results: The reported control concentrations were 2.72 ± 0.32 µmol/L for vitamin C and 4.33 ± 0.05 µmol/L for vitamin E. Vitamin C concentrations were 2.57 ± 0.01, 2.16 ± 0.03, and 2.41 ± 0.02 µmol/L across the three successive lactation intervals. Corresponding vitamin E concentrations were 3.61 ± 0.02, 2.79 ± 0.04, and 2.43 ± 0.02 µmol/L. Vitamin C declined in the middle interval before partially recovering, whereas vitamin E decreased progressively across the intervals. The manuscript reports significant differences among lactation stages.
Conclusion: These findings describe stage-related variation in serum antioxidant concentrations in lactating Marwari goats. The patterns are consistent with changes in antioxidant status during lactation but do not independently establish oxidative stress or altered immune function.
Keywords: Marwari goats, lactation stages, serum, vitamin C, ascorbic acid, vitamin E, α-tocopherol, non-enzymatic antioxidants, antioxidant status, oxidative stress