Heat stress decreases plasma vitamin C concentration in lactating cows

Heat stress causes oxidative stress, which decreases plasma levels of vitamin C, an antioxidative vitamin in pigs and poultry. We investigated the plasma vitamin C concentration in lactating cows exposed to a hot environment temperature. In the first experiment, plasma vitamin C concentrations of 8 lactating cows were measured in summer and autumn. The concentration was found to be significantly lower in summer. The second experiment was performed using 4 lactating cows in a crossover design. The ambient temperature was set at 18 °C in the control treatment and at 28 °C in the heat-stressing treatment. Milk yields and feed intake tended to be lower in the stressing than control treatment. Rectal temperature and respiration rate were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in the heat-stressing treatment. The plasma vitamin C concentration was significantly (P < 0.05) lower in the heat-stressing period. These results indicate that heat stress decreases the plasma vitamin C concentration. Dietary supplementation with vitamin C may be beneficial for lactating cows in hot weather.