Transition dairy cows face a critical window where metabolic pressures peak. Oxidative stress during this phase can quietly undermine health and productivity. Understanding its risks and mitigation strategies is becoming essential for modern dairy management.

The period surrounding calving is one of the most challenging for dairy cows, as their bodies undergo rapid metabolic adjustments to meet the demands of early lactation. Increased energy requirements accelerate the production of reactive oxygen species, and when natural antioxidant defenses cannot fully compensate, oxidative stress emerges. While often invisible, this stress can subtly compromise health, affecting immune function, reproduction, and overall performance. For farmers and nutritionists, recognizing this hidden risk is essential for maintaining herd productivity and welfare.

Practical approaches to support cows during this transition increasingly focus on feed-based interventions. Vitamins, trace minerals, and select plant extracts can help strengthen antioxidant defenses, reducing the impact of oxidative stress on metabolism and disease susceptibility. The underlying mechanisms are complex, yet the principle is straightforward: targeted nutritional strategies can make a tangible difference. For a deeper exploration of these approaches and their practical implications, we turn to Dr. Kazım Bilgeçli’s review in this issue.

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Oxidative stress in transition dairy cows: Risks and antioxidant strategies