In terms of feed costs, a vitamin E supply disruption can – like we have seen recently – lead to skyrocketing prices. Because vitamin E is so important to managing the balance of oxidants and antioxidants in the body, farmers must either accept the high vitamin E prices or look to innovation to mitigate the rising costs.
Antioxidant Category Lead
Cargill Animal Nutrition and Health
Animal husbandry is competitive, and farmers are challenged to manage costs while maintaining high performance. The price volatility of feed ingredients, such as the important antioxidant vitamin E, pressures farmers and feed formulators to find cost-effective solutions without compromising animal health and performance. Cargill’s Micronutrition and Health Solutions business supports farmers and feed formulators to overcome these challenges with its Proviox™ 50 solution – to combat oxidative stress and reduce feed costs.
We interviewed Wendeline Wouters, the Antioxidant Category Lead at Cargill Animal Nutrition and Health, to explore these challenges and find out how they can be turned into opportunities.
What is oxidative stress, and how does it challenge farmers and their animals?
Oxidation is a natural condition in the body where reactive oxygen species (ROS), also known as free radicals, are produced. These oxidants can be harmful to animals if present for too long or in high concentrations, in the form of oxidative stress. When an animal is under oxidative stress, ROS can react with its cells, such as immune or tissue cells, negatively impacting their function.
In farm animals, oxidative stress can be amplified by genetic and environmental factors. Genetically, animals selected for elevated metabolic rates and better performance are more prone to inflammation and oxidative stress. Environmentally, factors like higher population densities on farms, reduced medication programs, and extreme weather contribute to increased oxidation. These conditions amplify oxidative stress and the production of oxidants.
To prevent harm, oxidants must be detoxified by antioxidants. If not managed, high concentrations or prolonged periods of oxidative stress can cause significant damage to the animal and a decrease in performance and product quality.
At Cargill’s Micronutrition and Health Solutions (MHS), we have had great success mitigating this stress with our cost-efficient Proviox™ 50 solution.
What is Proviox™ 50, and how does it improve oxidative status and support animal performance during periods of increased stress?
To combat oxidative stress, antioxidants that neutralize ROS are essential. These antioxidants naturally occur in various components at different levels. We’ve developed Proviox™ 50 as a specific blend of plant-derived polyphenols with high antioxidant activity. This blend is specially selected for its components’ ability to work synergistically, enhancing the overall antioxidant effect.
Proviox™ 50 neutralizes reactive oxidant species, improving oxidative status and supporting animal performance during stressful periods. By incorporating this blend into their feed formulations, animal farmers can effectively manage oxidative stress, supporting better health and performance for their animals.
Results from 100+ in-vivo trials across different species – swine, poultry, ruminant, and aqua – have demonstrated that Proviox™ 50 can help:
• Improve oxidative status and support performance during periods of stress.
• Reduce feed cost by reducing the level of vitamin E required in the diet.
• Support reproductive performance
• Support immunity
Proviox™ 50 supports animals throughout the whole lifecycle, especially during challenging production phases. It is safe, stable, and suitable for multiple species.
How does Proviox™ 50 help reduce feed costs by reducing the required levels of vitamin E in the diet?
Firstly, it is important to highlight the role of vitamin E in the feed formulation. Vitamin E acts as a free radical scavenger – in other words, it mitigates the negative impact of oxidation caused by stress. It is a vital part of many animal diets, and any supply disruptions can have a damaging effect on the industry.
In terms of feed costs, a vitamin E supply disruption can – like we have seen recently – lead to skyrocketing prices. Because vitamin E is so important to managing the balance of oxidants and antioxidants in the body, farmers must either accept the high vitamin E prices or look to innovation to mitigate the rising costs.
With Proviox™ 50, farmers and feed mills can replace up to 50% of the vitamin E in feed formulations. This is possible because scientifically proven blend of polyphenols in Proviox™ 50 supports the scavenging function and helps to regenerate vitamin E in the body, thus helping to protect the cells from free radical damage.
Using this broader blend of antioxidants means that we can reduce the vitamin E in the diet, which in turn reduces the formulation costs, whilst maintaining performance. These benefits are not only backed by science and proven by research, but we have had more than 10 years of success in the global market with Proviox™ 50.
The application of Proviox™ 50 is also precise. Our Proviox™ 50 calculator tool can determine the exact dosage rates for each species and takes account of multiple factors, such as vitamin E inclusion levels and feeding and growth phases.
How does this support reproduction across different species?
During reproductive stages, animals experience increased metabolic stress, which impacts their oxidative status. Proviox™ 50 helps support animals during gestation, promoting healthier, more resilient offspring and improved reproductive outcomes.
Is there anything you would like to add to readers out there who want to know more about how Cargill and Proviox™ 50 can help their operations?
Cargill’s MHS can provide the right product at the right time, with the right amount. Our world-class, science-based portfolio, coupled with our nutritional and microbiome expertise, helps to optimize profitability and performance for our customers. This is supported by state-of-the-art R&D and manufacturing sites and the company’s position as a global product leader with local customer intimacy.
Cargill’s MHS, with its Proviox™ 50 solution, offers farmers and feed formulators a powerful tool to navigate the challenges of market volatility and increased oxidative stress. By supporting animal resilience capabilities and reducing feed costs, we help our customers thrive in a competitive and ever-changing market.
To the readers, please reach out to one of our experts if you want to learn more about how this can apply to your operations and benefit your animals. Our commercial and technical specialists are ready to provide detailed Proviox™ 50 trial data for each livestock species and comprehensive guidance on product usage across all systems.
About Wendeline Wouters
Wendeline Wouters, is Global Category Manager Antioxidants for Cargill Animal Nutrition division of Micronutrition and Health Solutions. She has a PhD from Wageningen University, in the Netherlands and extensive experience with science-based bioactive components at various globally operating companies for both human and animal nutrition. Areas of focus on bioactive components’ in vitro and in vivo research, new product development and quality and technical and market applications.
