ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE December 2023 29 and more research as a major cause of suboptimal functioning6,7. However, oxidative stress to this day remains an underestimated problem. It occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. The production of ROS comes from both endogenous sources including energy metabolism, immune cell activation, inflammation, infection, and aging, along with exogenous sources such as heat, environmental pollutants, heavy metals, and antibiotics. An increased load of free radicals by working with circular ingredients will cause oxidation of intracellular DNA or key proteins and lipids, which cause a chain reaction with cell damage and -death as a consequence (Figure 2). Just as with our research on the mycotoxin problem, it is our mission to correctly evaluate the occurrence of oxidative stress in vivo and propose the right cost-effective solution accordingly. Through our extensive knowledge of oxidation, Impextraco has developed a natural solution based on carefully selected polyphenols from different botanical sources. The hydrophilic polyphenols inside ELIFE®, that reduce cellular oxidation as early as in the gut, are effectively absorbed in the bloodstream. This allows them to act as a powerful antioxidant on a cellular level and stimulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR), thereby relieving the animals from oxidative stress on a systemic level. Our animal trials research, based on a wide range of biomarkers from different tissues, has shown ELIFE®’s effectiveness against oxidative stress and its effects on vitamin E protection, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes, reproduction, and zootechnical performance, in multiple subspecies and in a dose-response manner. By measuring oxidative stress in species who are especially prone for it, the impact of the use of oxidation-inducing byproducts can be correctly evaluated. For example, based on a sow trial with IMASDE in Spain, we have shown that increased oxidative stress occurs during the pre-farrowing and lactation period, affecting performance (Figure 3 (A), (B)). Due to the increase in energy utilization required for milk synthesis, a shift from anabolic to catabolic metabolism occurs, increasing the level of free radicals. It is because of this reason that plasma TBARS levels, which are a byproduct of lipid peroxidation, are at their highest during this period. To combat oxidation, sows will consume great levels of vitamin E because of the increased metabolic requirement of antioxidants. Because used vitamin E is lost, it is therefore more effective to combat oxidative stress on a systemic level with ELIFE®, instead of supplementing additional levels of dietary vitamin E, which will be consumed. Additionally, based on a previously published layer trial, we have indications that our natural polyphenols have a vitamin E protecting function. Old birds like laying hens after peak production are known to have a reduced endogenous antioxidant enzyme secretion. This also makes them more prone to oxidative stress. Our research showed that laying hens during phase II have increased ROS in the egg yolk, while vitamin E levels are increased in egg yolk after supplementation with ELIFE®. Our biomarker research indicated that already with conventional feed, oxidative Figure 2. In vivo oxidation of cells can cause a chain reaction with cell damage and -death as a consequence.
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