The effect ofα-tocopherol, sweet chestnut wood extract and their combination on oxidative stressin vivoand the oxidative stability of meat in broilers

Beneficial Effects of Castanea sativa Wood Extract on the Human Body and Possible Food and Pharmaceutical Applications

The aim of this review was to investigate the potential use of Castanea sativa wood extract as a food supplement and to evaluate its beneficial properties for human health. The results of the limited amount of studies suggest promising properties, including potential anti-inflammatory effects. The literature indicates that the extract, which is rich in bioactive compounds such as tannins, offers promising therapeutic possibilities for the treatment of conditions associated with chronic inflammation. Consequently, interest in its use in food and pharmaceuticals is growing. Phytochemical studies have reported antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and neuroprotective activities. A suitable extraction method and solvent is crucial for the isolation of bioactive compounds, being green extraction technologies outstanding for the industrial recovery of chestnut wood's bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, it is important to emphasize the importance of adhering to regulatory guidelines and obtaining the necessary approvals from regulatory authorities to ensure product safety and compliance. The regulation of herbal medicinal products with proven efficacy and traditional herbal medicinal products is well defined, monitored by authorized bodies, and subject to strict control measures. It is noteworthy that medicinal products are subject to stringent quality testing to ensure safety and efficacy in use, whereas there are no comparable regulatory standards and specific labeling requirements for dietary supplements. When using herbal products, compliance with established standards in health research is essential.

Early-age thermal manipulation and supplemental antioxidants on physiological, biochemical and productive performance of broiler chickens in hot-tropical environments

Heat stress has been ranked as a critical environmental issue confronting chicken farmers worldwide because of its detrimental effect on the growth, performance and health of the birds. This study evaluated the effects of early-age thermal manipulation (EATC) and supplemental antioxidants on the physiological responses of broilers in a hot tropical environment. A total of 300 day-old Ross broiler chicks were allocated to five thermal and dietary treatments, having 5 replicates of twelve birds each. The treatments were: chicks reared using the conventional method (CC), chicks exposed to early thermal manipulation with a temperature of 38 °C at day 5 with no antioxidant supplementation (TC), TC plus vitamin E at 250 mg/kg of feed (TV), TC plus selenium at 0.5 mg/kg of feed (TS) and the combination of TS and TV(TVS). The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design and data collected were analyzed using SAS (2008). The results showed that TVS broilers had significantly higher (P < 0.05) body weights at the finisher phase than the other treatment groups. The feed conversion ratio of TVS broilers was comparable to the TV group but lower (P < 0.05) than the other treatments. Reduced levels (P < 0.05) of heterophil, lymphocytes and hetrophil and lymphocyte ratio were recorded in the TVS compared to TV, TS and TC broilers. On day 42, the rectal temperature was significantly higher in CC than those in other treatment groups, which were comparable. TVS birds had higher (P < 0.05) weights of spleen, liver and lower abdominal fat than other treatments. The lowest concentration of plasma malondialdehyde and the highest activity of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were recorded in TV and TVS birds. The study concluded that the growth performance and oxidative status in broilers were improved by the combination of EATC with supplemental Se and vitamin E (TVS).

Effects of Dietary Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Selenium and Their Combination on Carcass Characteristics, Oxidative Stability and Breast Meat Quality of Broiler Chickens Exposed to Cyclic Heat Stress

Simple Summary

High ambient temperatures present challenging environmental factors in the poultry meat industry, causing heat stress. Heat stress impairs animal health and welfare, growth performance, and productivity, and deteriorates meat quality and its oxidative stability, resulting in economic losses. To mitigate the negative effects of heat stress, several nutritional strategies have been proposed, with vitamin and mineral supplementation being one of the most promising. Several studies reported that the addition of vitamins E and C, as well as selenium, to broiler diets improved the production performance and meat quality of broilers reared under heat stress. Due to the synergistic effects of these antioxidants against the oxidative damage to lipids, combined supplementation could be even more effective in alleviating the symptoms of heat stress on meat quality than supplementation alone, but this has not yet been studied. The results of the present study indicate positive effects of the supplementation with vitamin E on the oxidative stability of breast meat. However, no synergistic effects of the added antioxidants on the measured parameters were observed.

Abstract

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with vitamin E, vitamin C, and Se, alone or in combination, on carcass characteristics, oxidative stability and meat quality parameters of breast meat from broilers exposed to cyclic heat stress (HS), and stored under different conditions. A total of 120 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments: NRC (minimal nutrition requirements), AVI (commercial nutritional recommendations for Ross 308 broilers), AVI + vitE (as AVI + 200 IU vitamin E/kg feed), AVI + vitC (as AVI + 250 mg vitamin C/kg feed), AVI + Se (as AVI + 0.2 mg Se/kg feed), and AVI + ECSe (as AVI + vitE + vitC + Se). From day 26 onwards, all birds were exposed to a high ambient temperature (31 °C) for 8 h per day. The results showed that dietary vitamin E alone or in combination with vitamin C and Se significantly increased the α-tocopherol content and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in breast meat. Although no obvious synergistic effects of the added antioxidants were observed, the addition of higher levels of vitamin E, vitamin C and Se to broiler diets had no adverse effects on carcass traits, oxidative stability and meat quality parameters when supplemented either alone or in combination.

Creeping Wood Sorrel and Chromium Picolinate Effect on the Nutritional Composition and Lipid Oxidative Stability of Broiler Meat

The study investigates the efficacy of Cr in broilers, aiming to evaluate the effects of Chromium picolinate (CrPic) in association with creeping wood sorrel powder (CWS) on the proximate composition, fatty acids profile, bioactive nutrients and lipid oxidative stability of broiler meat. A total of 120 Cobb 500 chickens were assigned into three treatments: a control diet (C) and two test diets, including 200 µg/kg diet CrPic (E1), and 200 µg/kg diet CrPic +10 g CWS/kg diet (E2). Dietary supplementation with Cr + CWS significantly improved the concentration of n − 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), while its n − 6/n − 3 ratio decreased in comparison to the group receiving Cr and the conventional diet. The concentration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) significantly increased in the breast meat collected from the E2 group than that from the C group. Dietary administration of Cr and CWS improved lutein and zeaxanthin content, decreased Fe and Zn levels of the breast, and increased Zn deposition in the thigh samples. Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration decreased more in the thigh meat of the supplemental groups (E1, E2) than in that from the C group. In conclusion, the current study suggests that Cr together with CWS can be a viable option as antioxidant sources for broiler diets, promoting the nutritional quality of meat.

Effects of Chinese Gallnut Tannic Acid on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, Antioxidative Status, Intestinal Histomorphology, and Cecal Microbial Shedding in Broilers Challenged with Aflatoxin B1

The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of tannic acid (TA) on growth performance, blood parameters, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal health in broilers challenged with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). A total of 480 1-d-old broilers were randomly allotted into 4 treatments: 1) CON, control diet, 2) AF, CON + 60 μg/kg AFB1 of feed during d 1 to 21, CON + 120 μg/kg AFB1 of feed during d 22 to 42, 3) TA1, AF +250 mg/kg TA, 4) TA2, AF +500 mg/kg TA. Average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) were increased in the TA1 during d 1 to 21, d 22 to 42 and d1 to 42 compared with CON and AF treatments (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the TA2 diet had greater ADG and ADFI than those fed the CON and AF diets during the finisher and the whole period (P < 0.05). Administration of TA decreased the relative weight of liver and kidney compared with broilers fed the AF diet on d 42 (P < 0.05). The blood activity of alanine transferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was increased in the AF treatment compared with the CON (P < 0.05). Broilers fed the TA1 decreased the ALT content on d 21, and the level of ALT and GGT was decreased in the TA2 compared with the AF group on d 42 (P < 0.05). The activity of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in plasma, and the hepatic glutathione S-transferase (GST) was decreased in the AF group compared with the CON group (P < 0.05). The TA decreased plasma malondialdehyde concentration, and increased plasma T-SOD, GSH-Px, total antioxidant capacity, and hepatic GST activity compared to the AF (P < 0.05). The crypt depth of jejunum was decreased in the TA1 treatment on d 21, and the villus height of ileum was increased in the TA2 group on d 42 compared with the AF treatment (P < 0.05). The cecal Lactobacillus counts on d 21 was tended to increase in the TA treatments compared with the AF (P = 0.061). In conclusion, dietary inclusion of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg TA could improve the growth, antioxidant capacity, and partially protected the intestinal health of broilers challenged with AFB1.

Gradually Increasing Vitamin E Dose Allows Increasing Dietary Polyunsaturation Level While Maintaining the Oxidation Status of Lipids and Proteins in Chicken Breast Muscle

Feeding broilers diets high in n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) increases their incorporation into the meat but it may compromise meat quality due to oxidation of lipids and protein. Increased dietary vitamin E (vE) level downregulates this process, but its excessive level might exceed the physiological requirements for the maintenance of redox balance. This study investigated the sensory characteristics and oxidative status of meat from chickens fed diets supplemented with fish oil (FO) with or without gradually increasing doses of vE. The meat samples were obtained from a total of 27 female broilers of Ross 308 strain (9 birds per each of 3 dietary treatments), which were housed according to the standard management practice for commercial chicken houses over a period of 36 days. Chickens were fed diets containing 80 g/kg of supplemental fat, but the diets differed in fat composition; control diet (80 g/kg diet beef tallow as supplemental fat and a basal vE dose); 40 IU of dl-α-tocopheryl acetate; diet containing mixture of FO and beef tallow as supplemental fat (50:30 w/w g/kg diet) and a basal vE dose (E1), or diet (E2) as diet E1 but with gradually increasing vE dose (120/240 IU/kg diet fed between days 8–21 and days 22–36, respectively). The highest sensory quality and the lowest oxidative status of meat was found in the control chickens. FO decreased the sensory quality of the meat and increased lipid oxidation as well it had an impact on the lipid profile in muscle tissue (PUFA, n-3 ALA, EPA, DHA). Administration of a graded vE dose increased the sensory quality of the meat and did not limit lipid oxidation but maintained protein oxidation balance.

Plant Feed Additives as Natural Alternatives to the Use of Synthetic Antioxidant Vitamins on Yield, Quality, and Oxidative Status of Poultry Products: A Review of the Literature of the Last 20 Years

Scientific evidence demonstrates that plant feed additives (PFA) can be a viable alternative to synthetic antioxidant vitamins in poultry nutrition. PFA are represented by plants, essential oils, plant extracts, and by-products from herbal or crop processing. The use of PFA in the feed industry has increased in recent years as their biologically active compounds (polyphenols) have demonstrated antimicrobial and antioxidant effects in food-producing animals. However, few trials have directly compared the effects of PFA with synthetic vitamins. After a systematic literature review of studies comparing the effects of PFA and synthetic vitamins on poultry products in the last 20 years (2000–2020), a total of 44 peer-reviewed articles were included in the present work. A positive effect of PFA on poultry products’ oxidative stability during storage, organoleptic characteristics, and fatty acids profile has been observed without a specific impact on their performances. The effects of PFA are variable but often similar to those of vitamin E, suggesting the opportunity for a partial substitution of the latter in poultry diets.

Effect of Olive Leaves or Marigold Petal Extract on Oxidative Stress, Gut Fermentative Activity, and Mucosa Morphology in Broiler Chickens Fed a Diet Rich in n-3 Polyunsaturated Fats

An experiment in broilers was conducted to investigate the effect of olive (Olea europea) leaves and marigold (Calendula officinalis) petal extract supplementation on oxidative stress, characteristics of intestinal contents, and on the morphology of the small intestine. Oxidative stress was induced by a n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids rich diet. 1-day-old male broiler chickens, Ross 308, were housed in a deep litter system. After the first 21 days, animals were randomly divided into three groups of 16 animals in two replicates and fed, until slaughter on day 39, a diet that contained 7% linseed oil. Control diet (Cont) remained unsupplemented, while both experimental diets were supplemented with olive leaves (OliveEx) or marigold petal (MarigEx) extracts. Oxidative stress was evaluated in blood and liver by measuring markers of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA), isoprostanes), rate of DNA damage in lymphocytes and in blood (comet assay, 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)), and activity of antioxidant and liver enzymes in blood. In different parts of the intestine, levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and viscosity of intestinal contents were measured, and the health of the gastrointestinal tract was assessed using histological measurements. OliveEx significantly (p<0.05) decreased the MDA and 8-OHdG concentration in plasma, and the level of ethanoic acid in small intestinal contents and total SCFA in caecum, indicating improved oxidative status and increased microbial activity in the intestine. MarigEx significantly (p<0.05) decreased the rate of lymphocyte DNA damage and the crypt depth in duodenum, indicating potentially beneficial effects on the immune system and the health of the small intestine. In conclusion, dietary OliveEx and MarigEx supplementation improved some markers of oxidative stress and intestinal health. However, positive effects could be more pronounced in more unfavorable environmental conditions or in cases of diseases, but further studies are needed.

Plant Feed Additives as Natural Alternatives to the Use of Synthetic Antioxidant Vitamins on Poultry Performances, Health, and Oxidative Status: A Review of the Literature in the Last 20 Years

Plant feed additives (PFA) such as essential oils, extracts, and by-products from plant processing can be included in poultry diets. A total of 39 peer-reviewed articles were selected from the literature published in the last 20 years (2000–2020) comparing PFA antioxidant effects with synthetic antioxidant vitamins (mainly vitamin E) in poultry nutrition. The PFA can be used as an effective nutritional strategy to face poultry’s oxidative stress with positive impact also on their productivity and efficiency. They can partially or completely replace antioxidant synthetic vitamins (the latter administered at doses between 150 and 500 mg/kg) in animal diets, sometimes affecting important physiological functions or expressing synergistic effect with the synthetic antioxidants. It is crucial to take into consideration the issues related to the absorption and the metabolism of these additives and their interaction with gut microbiota. However, some form- and dose-dependent negative effects on growth performances are observed.

Muscle Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Molecular Pathways Related to Oxidative Phosphorylation, Antioxidant Defense, Fatness and Growth in Mangalitsa and Moravka Pigs

This work was aimed at evaluating loin transcriptome and metabolic pathway differences between the two main Serbian local pig breeds with divergent characteristics regarding muscle growth and fatness, as well as exploring nutrigenomic effects of tannin supplementation in Mangalitsa (MA) pigs. The study comprised 24 Mangalitsa and 10 Moravka (MO) males, which were kept under identical management conditions. Mangalitsa animals were divided in two nutritional groups (n = 12) receiving a standard (control) or tannin-supplemented diet (1.5%; MAT). Moravka pigs were fed the standard mixture. All animals were slaughtered at a similar age; 120 kg of average live weight (LW) and loin tissue was used for RNA-seq analysis. Results showed 306 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) according to breed, enriched in genes involved in growth, lipid metabolism, protein metabolism and muscle development, such as PDK4, FABP4, MYOD1 and STAT3, as well as a relevant number of genes involved in mitochondrial respiratory activity (MT-NDs, NDUFAs among others). Oxidative phosphorylation was the most significantly affected pathway, activated in Mangalitsa muscle, revealing the basis of a different muscle metabolism. Also, many other relevant pathways were affected by breed and involved in oxidative stress response, fat accumulation and development of skeletal muscle. Results also allowed the identification of potential regulators and causal networks such as those controlled by FLCN, PPARGC1A or PRKAB1 with relevant regulatory roles on DEGs involved in mitochondrial and lipid metabolism, or IL3 and TRAF2 potentially controlling DEGs involved in muscle development. The Tannin effect on transcriptome was small, with only 23 DEGs, but included interesting ones involved in lipid deposition such as PPARGC1B. The results indicate a significant effect of the breed on muscle tissue gene expression, affecting relevant biological pathways and allowing the identification of strong regulatory candidate genes to underlie the gene expression and phenotypic differences between the compared groups.

Effect of chestnut wood extract on performance, meat quality, antioxidant status, immune function, and cholesterol metabolism in broilers

Plant extracts have been proved as natural antioxidants resources as well as alternative feed additives in livestock and poultry species. Chestnut wood extract (CWE) as a source of hydrolysable tannic acid was used to evaluate the growth performance, nutrient retention, meat quality, antioxidant status, and immune function of broilers. A total of 168, day-old Arbor Acre male broilers (weight 46.59 ± 0.44 g) were randomly divided to 3 treatments, 7 replicate pens per treatment, 8 broilers per pen. The treatments contain a control diet, CON (corn-soybean meal basal diet); an antibiotic diet, CTC (basal diet + 75 mg/kg chlortetracycline); and chestnut wood extract diet, CWE (basal diet + 1,000 mg/kg chestnut tannins). At the finisher phase, final body weight was higher (P < 0.05) in CWE supplemented diet than in CON. Average daily body weight gain was higher (P < 0.05) and feed gain ratio was lower (P < 0.05) in broilers fed CWE than in those fed CON at the finisher phase. Crude protein digestibility was higher (P < 0.05) in broilers offered CWE than that in broilers fed CON and CTC diets. Breast muscle pH value at 24 h (pH24 h) was higher (P < 0.05) in broilers fed CWE than that in those fed CON and CTC diets. The bursa weight was higher (P < 0.05) in broilers offered CWE than that in those fed CON and CTC. Total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) values were higher (P < 0.05) in both breast muscle and thigh muscle of broilers offered CWE supplemented diet than those in broilers fed CON and CTC diets. Similarly, broilers offered with CWE diets showed higher (P < 0.05) T-AOC, GSH-PX, and SOD value in serum than those fed CON and CTC diets. Serum concentration of IgG was higher (P < 0.05) in broilers offered with CWE diets than that in those fed CON and CTC diets. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and urea-N concentration were lower (P < 0.05) in broilers offered CWE diet than those in broilers fed CON and CTC diets. It was recommended to supply CWE at the 1,000 mg/kg level for improving antioxidant status, cholesterol metabolism, and growth performance without affecting normal meat quality in broilers.

The Effect of Substitution of Palm Fat with Linseed Oil on the Lipid Peroxidation, Antioxidative Capacity and Intestinal Morphology in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Simple Summary

By changing the source of fat in the diet of animals, the fat content of animal products, such as meat, could be improved. The addition of linseed oil, with a high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially n-3 α-linolenic acid, is often used in animal nutrition. Rabbit diet manipulation is effective in increasing or changing the level of fatty acids such that meat could become a functional food for humans. Since polyunsaturated fatty acids are susceptible on oxidation, an effect on animal health could arise. Therefore, we conducted a trial replacing palm fat (saturated fatty acids) with linseed oil (polyunsaturated fatty acids) in the rabbit diet to compere the oxidative status and histology of intestinal tissues. There was no significant effect in the substitution of linseed oil on the malondialdehyde concentration in urine and plasma, antioxidative capacity of water soluble or lipid soluble antioxidants, or intestinal morphology. Therefore, with an appropriate dietary strategy, the content of rabbit meat can be improved without reducing animal welfare.

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of different dietary fatty acids (saturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids) supplementation on the oxidative status and intestinal morphology of adult rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Twenty-four “slovenska kunka” rabbits were randomly assigned to two different dietary treatments (12 rabbits per treatment) and fed the experimental diets between 80 and 102 days of age. The palm fat (PALM) diet with 6% palm fat and linseed (LINSEED) diets with 6% linseed oil were used. To evaluate the oxidative status of rabbits, the malondialdehyde concentration in urine and plasma and concentration of water and lipid soluble antioxidants in plasma were measured. The antioxidative capacity of the gastrointestinal tract was evaluated by measuring concentration of water and lipid soluble antioxidants in tissues and contents of the intestine. The histological structure of the small intestine and caecum was analyzed via histomorphometric analysis. No significant differences were found in either of those parameters. In summary, rabbits were exposed to high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids with a high predisposition to oxidation, but their health and welfare were not endangered.

The influence of dietary chestnut and quebracho tannins mix on rabbit meat quality

Tannins were recently evaluated as feed additives in order to increase antioxidant compounds in animal diet, mainly to enhance resistance to lipid oxidation in meat. Rabbit meat is one of the most susceptible animal products, thus the main aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of tannins to elongate shelf life of rabbit meat. Ninety hybrid rabbits were fed with three different diets: basal diet (control, C) and basal diet supplemented with 0.3% or 0.6% of tannins mix. Meat samples were refrigerated as raw at 4°C up to 11 days and analysed both as raw and cooked for physical-chemical characteristics, fatty acids profile, lipid oxidation and antioxidant capacity. Results showed that dietary tannins affected meat colour of raw samples (mostly yellowness). Lipid peroxidation (TBARS) of raw samples was lower in tannins group than C group; a further inhibition of peroxidation was showed also in cooked samples only by the highest dose of tannins mix. Moreover, antioxidant capacity (ABTS) of raw samples increased with the percentage of tannins. In conclusion, supplementation with 0.6% of tannins mix seems to positively affect the lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity of meat without modifying the intrinsic characteristics of rabbit meat.

Effects of supplementation with α-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, selenium, or their combination in linseed oil-enriched diets on the oxidative status in broilers

A trial was conducted to investigate whether, and if so to what extent, the combined supplementation of vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium was superior to their sole supplementation concerning the oxidative stress induced by a high n-3 dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake in broilers. Four hundred 21-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were allocated to 5 experimental groups fed the following linseed oil (5%)-enriched finisher diets: Cont (no supplement), +E (200 IU vitamin E/kg feed), +C (250 mg vitamin C/kg feed), +Se (0.2 mg selenium/kg feed), or +ECSe (concentrations as in the sole supplementation, combined). Analyses of malondialdehyde (MDA), vitamin C, and α- and γ-tocopherols in plasma, antioxidant capacity of water- (ACW) and lipid- (ACL) soluble compounds in serum, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in whole blood were performed. In breast muscle, analyses of MDA, α- and γ-tocopherols, ACW, selenium, and fatty acid (FA) composition were carried out. Birds fed the combination of antioxidants showed reduced average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) and, as +E, lower MDA and γ-tocopherol, together with raised α- tocopherol levels in plasma and lower MDA and raised α- tocopherol levels in breast muscle compared to the control. The combination of antioxidants in the +ECSe group raised GPx activity in whole blood compared to the control. In conclusion, results indicated that vitamin E is the most effective antioxidant to alleviate oxidative stress caused by high dietary PUFA and that the supplementation with additional vitamin C and selenium did not have clear synergistic effect.

Effects of Olive Leaf and Marigold Extracts on the Utilization of Nutrients and on Bone Mineralization using Two Different Oil Sources in Broilers

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of olive leaf and marigold extracts on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of the principal nutrients and energy, as well as on mineral utilization (Ca, P, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn) in relation to bone characteristics in broilers fed walnut- or linseed oil-supplemented diets. Thirty-six 12-day-old commercial broilers Ross 308 were reared in metabolic cages, assigned to one of the six dietary treatments (3 × 2 factorial design): three supplements (not supplemented, olive leaf extract, or marigold extract), and two oils (walnut or linseed oil). The results showed that the marigold extract reduced Zn and P balances and tended to lower the balance of ash and Mg, and the ATTD of Zn and Mg. Diets with linseed oil increased the ATTD of acid detergent fiber and reduced the ATTD of the organic residue and Cu. No differences in the bone characteristics of tibia were observed between treatments. These results indicated that the inclusion of marigold extract had a negative effect on the Zn and P balance, and that neither extract had any major effect on the digestion and utilization of energy and other investigated nutrients, or on bone mineralization, irrespective of the oil source included in the diet.

Supplementing entire male pig diet with hydrolysable tannins: Effect on carcass traits, meat quality and oxidative stability

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential impact on carcass and meat quality of a sweet chestnut wood extract (SCWE)diet supplement for pigs, in particular on oxidative stability and fatty acid composition. Entire (non-castrated) male pigs (n=24) were assigned to treatment groups within litter and offered one of 4 finisher diets on an ad libitum basis: T0 (control), T1, T2 or T3, supplemented with 0, 1, 2 or 3% of commercially available SCWE, respectively. The highest SCWE supplementation reduced carcass fat deposition and water holding capacity of meat (higher thawing loss). In fresh meat, SCWE supplementation increased lipid (malondialdehyde) and protein oxidation (carbonyl groups in myofibril isolates). With regard to fat tissue, SCWE supplementation increased the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

The effects of dietary verbascoside on blood and liver oxidative stress status induced by a high n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids diet in piglets

Twenty-four weaned female Hypor piglets (10.9 ± 0.1 kg mean BW) were used to evaluate the antioxidant effect of a natural extract, titrated in verbascoside, on blood and liver oxidative status in relation to a high intake of n-6 PUFA, inducing oxidative stress. Piglets were assigned to 1 of 3 experimental groups; the first group was fed a diet with 9% sunflower oil (T1) and the second received the sunflower oil diet supplemented with 5 mg of verbascoside/kg feed from Verbenaceae extract (Lippia spp.; T2). The third group was fed a control diet (CTR), in which an isoenergetic replacement of oil by starch was done. Blood samples were collected at the beginning and the end of the trial (30 d). At the end of the trial, the animals were slaughtered and the liver specimens were collected. Oxidative stress markers, including total antiradical activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT) activities, were determined in blood samples. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) plasma levels were also evaluated. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses were performed in liver to evaluate heat shock protein (Hsp) 70, Hsp90, and Kupffer and Ito cell activation. Liver activities of SOD, GPX, and CAT were also determined. Total antiradical activity in blood and red blood cells were affected (P < 0.01) by dietary treatments. The n-6 PUFA supplementation at a high dosage for 30 d induced oxidative stress, decreasing total antiradical activity in blood and red blood cells (CTR vs. T1 + T2; P < 0.01) and plasma CAT activity (CTR vs. T1 + T2; P = 0.088) and increasing ALT value (CTR vs. T1 + T2; P < 0.01). Also, in liver, the CAT and GPX activities tended to be lower in pigs fed n-6 PUFA diets than pigs fed a control diet (CTR vs. T1 + T2; = 0.090 and = 0.085, respectively). The liver samples presented a normal architecture and no Ito and Kupffer cell activations were observed. In liver, the SOD activity tended to be lower in the T1 group (P = 0.064) than in the CTR and T2 groups. Moreover, the level of Hsp70 was higher (P < 0.01) in the T1 group than the CTR and T2 groups. These data suggest that the dose of dietary verbascoside partially restores the antioxidant status of the liver without affecting the systemic responses to oxidative stress induced by a high-fat diet.