Oxidative state in the estrus cycle of the buffaloes: a preliminary study.

The oxidative status, the relationship between oxidizing agents (free radicals) and antioxidant system, is able to influence the correct performance of the estrus cycle. The aim of the experimentation was to define a first range of physiological values of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the biological antioxidant potential (BAP), found during the phases of the buffalo estrus cycle. In this study, blood samples were taken from 30 buffaloes in various phases of the estrus cycle (estrus, diestrus, anestrus), on which serum determinations, by a photometer, of BAP and ROS have been carried out. The highest ROS values were detected during estrus and this is due to the primary role they play in determining ovulation. The highest levels of BAP have been found in diestrus, when they perform protective action against oxidative damage in the ovaries and uterus.