Enhancing Livestock Immunity: The Role of Glutathione, Superoxide Dismutase, and Vitamin C in Disease
ROSHAN MOHIDDIN
(PhD Scholar, Animal Biochemistry, National Dairy Research Institute)
Abstract: Oxidative stress is a physiological condition that causes an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and an imbalance in the body’s ability to neutralize antioxidants. An excessive increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to the aging process and cellular damage to proteins, lipids, and DNA, along with susceptibility to various other diseases in both humans and animals. As a result, they greatly affect the health and output of livestock. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, glutathione, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) are important for maintaining healthy cells and eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS). This article discusses the roles of these antioxidants, how they affect cattle immunity, and ways to boost antioxidant defense systems to prevent disease.
Keywords: immunity; antioxidants; oxidative stress; glutathione; superoxide dismutase (SOD); vitamin C; disease prevention; cattle health.
Introduction: Animals are mostly exposed to constant environmental stress, including pathogenic pathogens and metabolic diseases that cause oxidative stress and immunosuppression. This is due to an imbalance between the body’s capacity to eliminate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their production, which causes oxidative stress. In response, the animal body has antioxidant defenses that reduce ROS. Excessive ROS production compromises cellular function by damaging proteins, lipids, and DNA. Therefore, it is crucial to neutralize ROS and boost the immune response. In this regard, antioxidants, such as vitamin C, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione, play a significant role. Understanding their mechanisms and ensuring sufficient supplementation in cattle diets can greatly enhance disease resistance and general production. Antioxidant functions in livestock immunology.
- Glutathione: Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide comprising glutamate, cysteine, and glycine. It is one of the main intracellular antioxidants and is majorly involved in detoxification and immune system functioning. GSH directly scavenges ROS, neutralizes free radicals, and avoids oxidative damage to immune cells. It also aids in the detoxification of dangerous xenobiotics and metabolic waste. GSH renews vitamins C and E, thereby strengthening the antioxidant network. The main roles of GSH in livestock include an efficient immune response, lymphocyte development, and cytokine synthesis.
Effects of Glutathione Deficiency Low glutathione levels in cattle can cause them to be vulnerable to diseases and inadequate responses to vaccinations. It also slowed the development process and reduced the fertility rate.
Feeds to be supplemented: Animals suffering from GSH deficiency can be supplemented with sulfur-containing amino acids (such as methionine and cysteine) to help manufacture glutathione. Feeding can be supplemented with vegetables rich in antioxidants such as turmeric, alfalfa, and garlic. It is important to include N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as a glutathione precursor in feed formulations.
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD):It is the first line of defense against ROS. The enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) lowers oxidative stress by accelerating the conversion of superoxide radicals into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. SOD makes it easier for macrophages and neutrophils to kill pathogens by preventing their damage via oxidation. SOD lowers oxidative stress and reduces inflammation associated with metabolic diseases and infections. Enhanced growth rates and reproductive success follow optimal SOD levels.
SOD sources for livestock diets: Copper, zinc, and manganese are important cofactors for SOD activity. Naeini et al. (2021) found that SOD is found in large amounts in green plants and herbs, such as alfalfa, wheatgrass, and spirulina. In addition, probiotic-based diets help cattle produce more endogenous SOD.
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid):It is a water-soluble antioxidant, which strengthens disease resistance in animals and supports several immunological activities. Vitamin C promotes the synthesis and operation of lymphocytes and neutrophils, thereby improving white blood cell activity. Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals and scavenges reactive oxygen species, therefore safeguarding tissues from oxidative damage. In a recent study, Johnson et al. (2023) showed that vitamin C supplementation in poultry diets enhanced resistance to avian influenza, underscoring its significance in disease prevention. Tissue healing and recovery from infection depend significantly on collagen synthesis and wound healing. It also helps in tackling diminished stress-induced immunosuppression, where weaning stress, transit stress, and heat stress can all lower immunity; vitamin C helps to offset this.
Sources of Livestock for Vitamin C: Natural sources found in citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, and sprouts. Animal feed commonly includes synthetic supplements, especially for pigs and poultry. Young barley and wheat shoots are excellent sources of hydroponic green feeds.
Effects of Antioxidant Supplements on Disease Prevention: Generally, livestock are vulnerable to respiratory diseases, especially poultry and cattle infected by avian influenza and pneumonia. Antioxidant supplements play a major role in reducing lung inflammation and increasing resistance to respiratory infections. Stress management at extremely high temperatures lowers immunity and aggravates oxidative damage. Giving antioxidants, such as vitamin C and SOD, helps animals stay productive and manage heat stress. A strong antioxidant defense, on the other hand, helps immune cells work and makes antibodies, which makes vaccinations more effective. Antioxidants also help maintain gut integrity by lowering oxidative damage to intestinal cells, increasing the growth of helpful bacteria, and improving nutrient absorption. Oxidative stress compromises immunity and raises the risk of illness, which is a major obstacle in cattle farming. Glutathione, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and vitamin C are important for protecting immune cells, reducing inflammation, and making the body more resistant to disease. A recent meta-analysis by Lee et al. (2023) concluded that antioxidant supplementation, particularly vitamin C and SOD, significantly reduced the incidence of respiratory diseases in livestock. In cattle, appropriate dietary plans incorporating synthetic antioxidants, phytogenic additives, and mineral supplements can greatly strengthen antioxidant defenses. Including these techniques in agricultural operations helps guarantee sustainable animal health, lower disease frequency, and improved output.
References :
- Naeini, F., Zarezadeh, M., Mohiti, S., Tutunchi, H., Ebrahimi Mamaghani, M. and Ostadrahimi, A. (2021). Spirulina supplementation as an adjuvant therapy in enhancement of antioxidant capacity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of controlled clinical trials. International Journal of Clinical Practice.75 (10): e14618.
- Johnson, J.B., Mani, J.S., Hoyos, B.E. and Naiker, M. (2023). Phenolic profiles, phytochemical composition and vitamin C content of selected horticultural produce from Central Queensland. Journal of Food Measurement and Characterization.17 (1): 1096-1107.
- Lim, E.Y., Lee, S.Y., Shin, H.S. and Kim, G.D. (2023). Reactive oxygen species and strategies for antioxidant intervention in acute respiratory distress syndrome. 12 (11): 2016.
