Antioxidative Potential of Phytogenics

1 December 2015, at 12:00am

Phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) are effective in improving the antioxidant status of animals, as confirmed by an elevated antioxidative status in blood plasma, meat and the intestinal tract, writes Basharat Syed.

Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances that can protect an animal organism from harmful influences. They prevent oxidation reactions termed as oxidative stress. Antioxidants, being a defence system in vivo, comprise several defence lines.

The main defence line inhibits the formation of free radicals and reactive oxygen species by isolating metal ions while destroying superoxide and singlet oxygen, reducing hydrogen peroxide and hydro peroxides in every cell of the organism.

Performance losses and decline in livestock production as a result of the damage by free radicals and oxidative stress have become major issues and the subject of much research and concern in recent years. Free radical damage and oxidative stress are not diseases but are often the by-products of normal cellular processes.

To continue reading this article, please go to Biomin's website here.