Antioxidants Supplementation on Acid Base Balance during Heat Stress in Goats

The effects of vitamin C and vitamin E with selenium on acid-base balance and some stress hormones were evaluated during heat stress in goats. Goats, 1.5 years of age, were divided into control, heat stress and antioxidant treatment groups 1, 2 and 3. Except for the control, all groups were exposed to a temperature of $40{\pm}2^{\circ}C$ with a relative humidity of 30% for 5 h/d for 21 days in a psychrometric chamber. Rectal temperature and respiratory rates were recorded daily post exposure. Blood samples were collected on every 3rd day for estimation of plasma vitamins C and E, total antioxidant activity and hormones, and separate blood samples were taken to estimate acid-base status. The rectal temperature and respiratory rates were increased (p<0.05) in the heat stress group only. Except for pH and $pO_2$, which were increased significantly (p<0.05) other parameters of acid-base balance such as $pCO_2$, $HCO_3^-$, $TCO_2$, BEb, BEcef, PCV and Hb were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the heat stress group. An improvement in acid-base status was noted in the antioxidant supplemented groups. Prolactin and cortisol levels were significantly (p<0.05) higher and free T3 and T4 levels were significantly (p<0.05) lower in the heat stress group. Levels of prolactin and cortisol were decreased and free T3 and T4 were increased in antioxidant treatment groups. Different levels of antioxidant supplementation resulted in similar protection against heat stress.