Changes in Serum Lipid peroxide, Tocopherol Levels and Serum Superoxide Dismutase Activity in Cattle

Examination was made of variation in serum lipid peroxide, α-tocopherol level and superoxide dismutase activity in dairy cattle, fattening cattle and cattle with liver disorders. In the fattening group, serum lipid peroxide levels markedly increased before and after parturition and exceeded 15 nmol/ml at 12 weeks after parturition. In the control group, no significant variation in serum lipid peroxide levels in association with parturition. Serum α-tocopherol levels and superoxide dismutase activity in the fattening group changed remarkably, compared to control. These parameters trasiently or persistanly decreased before and after parturition. Serum lipid peroxide levels in Japanese black cattle at the later stage of breeding were measured for two cattle groups reared under different breeding conditions. Although there were no difference in serum superoxide dismutase activity in the 2 groups, serum lipid peroxide levels increased in the group whose serum α-tocopherol levels decreased. Serum superoxide dismutase activity in cattle with liver damage remained higher throughout the period of observation, than the control, being as much as 35% higher at the onset of liver disorder. Serum α-tocopherol decreased to less than 100 μg/dl after liver damage had been sustained and at 10 months before the onset when serum lipid peroxide increased.