Chromium has been reported to play essential roles in activity of certain enzymes, metabolism of protein and nucleic acids as well as impact on immune functions. The aim of current study was to assess the effect of supplemental chromium on performance and blood serum biochemistry of lactating buffaloes. Thirty lactating buffaloes ( aged 3-6 years , average body weight 567 ± 22.78 Kg ) were equally divided into two groups. Group one, control, which received no chromium supplementation and group two, treated group, received 5 mg / head / day of chromium methionine from 6 wk to 19 wk Postpartum. The composition of feed mixture and rice straw consumed by lactating buffaloes were analyzed. Milk production and composition ( Fat, Protein, Solid non Fat, total Solid and Ash percentages ) were evaluated weekly. Blood serum biochemicals ( glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, insulin and cortisol ) concentration were estimated on the 42 th , 72 th , 102 th and 132 th day . The results indicated significant increase in milk production and 7 % FCM during the entire period ( P 0.05 ) in chromium supplemented animals, but no significant effect on milk composition. Supplemental chromium had no significant effect on serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin concentration. On the other hand, significant increase in total serum protein and decrease in cortisol levels ( P 0.05 ) were recorded. It could be concluded that Cr supplementation significantly increase milk production during the entire period, but it had no significant effect on milk composition. Biochemical findings revealed non significant changes in serum glucose cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin concentrations in Cr treated animals, meanwhile, there was an increase in serum total protein and decrease in serum cortisol level .

Optimal transition buffaloe health is the key to success in the subsequent lactation. Increasing attention has been focused on management and nutritional practices that support it. The present research, therefore, aimed to investigate the oxidative stress indices in blood during periparturient period and the effects of vitamin E and Se supplementation on them. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring steady concentration of free radicals in blood, rate of lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes in erythrocytes, oxidants antioxidant status was evaluated in 22 buffaloe cows. Weekly vitamin E and selenium supplemented buffaloes (n = 15) was started 8 weeks before calving; the control buffaloes (n = 7) were not supplemented. Blood was sampled 4 times with 2 weeks interval for 8 weeks before calving, on calving day, and weekly done 4 times after calving. Blood samples were analyzed for nitric oxide (NO), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) and vitamin E. Results showed that concentrations of NO, MDA decreased (p0.001) in the treated group and tended to increase in the control group. Mean values of antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD, Catalase, GSH-px) decreased gradually before parturition in both groups, after parturition gradual and highly significant increase (p0.001, p0.01 and p0.01 respectively at the 4th week postpartum) was observed in the treated group. Collectively the values of blood antioxidant enzymes activities were significantly higher in treated animals than the control animals during periparturient period. The vitamin E concentration in the blood was greater in the treated group in comparison to control group. Positive correlation was observed between blood MDA and NO, negative correlation was observed between blood MDA, Catalase, SOD, GSH-px and vitamin E. It could be concluded that supplementation of the animal with antioxidants, like vitamin E and Se has beneficial effects on general health condition.

Optimal transition buffaloe health is the key to success in the subsequent lactation. Increasing attention has been focused on management and nutritional practices that support it. The present research, therefore, aimed to investigate the oxidative stress indices in blood during periparturient period and the effects of vitamin E and Se supplementation on them. Oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring steady concentration of free radicals in blood, rate of lipid peroxidation and activity of antioxidant enzymes in erythrocytes, oxidants antioxidant status was evaluated in 22 buffaloe cows. Weekly vitamin E and selenium supplemented buffaloes (n = 15) was started 8 weeks before calving; the control buffaloes (n = 7) were not supplemented. Blood was sampled 4 times with 2 weeks interval for 8 weeks before calving, on calving day, and weekly done 4 times after calving. Blood samples were analyzed for nitric oxide (NO), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Catalase, Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) and vitamin E. Results showed that concentrations of NO, MDA decreased (p0.001) in the treated group and tended to increase in the control group. Mean values of antioxidant enzymes activities (SOD, Catalase, GSH-px) decreased gradually before parturition in both groups, after parturition gradual and highly significant increase (p0.001, p0.01 and p0.01 respectively at the 4th week postpartum) was observed in the treated group. Collectively the values of blood antioxidant enzymes activities were significantly higher in treated animals than the control animals during periparturient period. The vitamin E concentration in the blood was greater in the treated group in comparison to control group. Positive correlation was observed between blood MDA and NO, negative correlation was observed between blood MDA, Catalase, SOD, GSH-px and vitamin E. It could be concluded that supplementation of the animal with antioxidants, like vitamin E and Se has beneficial effects on general health condition.