Abstract
BACKGROUND: The transition period in goats is a critical phase characterized by significant physiological and metabolic changes as they prepare for parturition and the onset of lactation. This study investigated the effects of injectable AD3EC vitamin as an antioxidant on oxidative stress markers in Raini cashmere goats during the transition period. Twenty Raini cashmere goats were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups. Key oxidative factors, including malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), were measured at following time points: two weeks before parturition, one week before parturition, and one, two, and three weeks postpartum. RESULTS: The results demonstrated that the treatment group consistently exhibited significantly lower MDA levels compared to controls at all measured time points (p < 0.001). Although TAC levels were higher in the control group, the administration of AD3EC vitamin showed a positive trend in managing oxidative stress during critical periods, particularly one week postpartum. Notably, the treatment group experienced an increase in GPx levels postpartum, highlighting the potential of AD3EC vitamin to stimulate antioxidant enzyme activity. Additionally, SOD levels demonstrated an initial increase prior to parturition (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our findings underscore the potential of AD3EC vitamin as an effective intervention for reducing oxidative stress and promoting overall health and resilience in Raini cashmere goats during the transition period. Future research should further explore the integration of AD3EC vitamin with other dietary strategies to optimize antioxidant defense mechanisms in livestock.