Influence of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species on udder health and milk quality

Abstract

Mastitis is considered the most common disease affecting dairy herds. It causes relevant economic losses to producers and decreases milk quality and yield for the dairy industry. Regarding this matter, little is discussed about the formation of reactive species of oxygen and nitrogen in the mammary gland and the negative effects of these compounds on milk quality. Nevertheless, studies reveal that a series of chemical reactions happen in the mastitis-related inflammatory process, leading to enzyme alterations and toxic compound formation. Long-term consumption of those compounds in milk may pose consumer health risks. Thus, the present study outlines the deleterious effect of oxidative compounds on milk quality and its potential implications for udder health.