Effect of different ranges of temperature exposition on oxidative stress and biochemical parameters in nulliparous rabbit does

Heat stress negatively impact rabbit production and reproduction performances as they do not have enough sweat glands which can remove the body heat excess. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of heat stress on oxidative stress status and biochemical parameters. For this purpose, 24 nulliparous female rabbits aged 6 months and weighing between 1953.1 and 2375.4 g were divided into four groups of six animals each and subjected for 30 consecutive days to following temperatures: ambient temperature (19–26 °C) for the control group (T0), 27–28°C for group 2 (T1), 31–32°C for group 3 (T2) and 35–36°C for group 4 (T3) using electrical heaters from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. At the end of experimental period all animals were humanely sacrificed and blood samples and kidney were collected for analysis of respectively biochemical parameters and oxidative stress biomarkers. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and mean values were compared at 5% significance level. Results revealed that animals submitted to 31-32°C and 35-36°C had significantly decreased total protein content while the content in creatinine, urea and Aspartate Amino Transferase (ASAT) increased. The level of lipid peroxidation (MDA) was significantly increased in animals exposed to 31-32°C and 35-36°C, whereas the level of kidney protein, catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione were significantly lower in exposed animals as compared with controls. It was concluded that exposure of female rabbits to 31-32°C and 35-36°C for 30 days induce heat stress that causes oxidative stress and physiological disorders. Alternative strategies are needed for heat stress alleviation. Keywords: Climate change, female rabbit, heat, oxidative stress