PSXI-25 - Antioxidant system characteristics in Saanen goats depending on age

Goat husbandry is a relevant and significant research topic. The goat age is possible to reach 15-18 years and it is important to study not only performance processes, but also to evaluate age-related changes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate antioxidant system characteristics in Saanen goats depending on age. The experiment was conducted in the north-western region of Russian Federation, the Leningrad Region. The five experimental groups included 30 Saanen goats each, selected using matched pairs method. 1st group included 1 year old goats, 2nd group included 2 year old goats, 3rd group included 3 year old goats, 4th group included 4 year old goats and 5th group included 5 year old animals. The blood samples were taken once –during the summer season. The blood levels of lipid peroxygenation markers (malondialdehyde, dienketone and conjugated dienes) and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity were assessed by standard methods. Results presented as mean±standard error of the mean. Student's t-test was used after proving normal distribution. Level of significance is labeled as P < 0.05. The results are displayed in table 1 and 2. After analyzing the received data of antioxidant system characteristics there were revealed high intensity of free-radical oxidation in aged 4-5 year old goats. This is explained by oxidative stress development. Noticeably that anti-oxidizing enzymes activity was reduced by the age of 5 years – the possible reason for lacking compensation of developed oxidative stress. By the age of 4 activity of anti-oxidizing enzymes was elevated marking the compensation stage of oxidative stress, this elevation is statistically significant. Consequently these data allow taking into consideration exogenous anti-oxidizing agents administration in 5 years and older goats in order to reduce oxidative stress.