ADVERTORIAL 54 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE June 2025 dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT). They act within the mitochondria, right at the point where ROS are produced. Their effectiveness depends not on external supplementation, but on the animal’s ability to produce them. This is where MELOFEED plays a key role. Derived from melon juice concentrate and protected by a unique coating, it survives digestion and reaches the ileum intact. There, it stimulates the systemic production of primary antioxidant enzymes in key organs like the liver, intestine, and reproductive tissues and more. It doesn’t switch them on directly — instead, it increases their presence, so the animal is ready when oxidative pressure rises. 2. Trace elements Enzymes don’t work alone. SOD depends on zinc, copper, and manganese. GPx is selenium-dependent. Without these essential trace minerals, the enzymatic systems cannot be activated — no matter how many are present. That’s why a bioavailable trace mineral matrix is critical. It ensures the enzymatic antioxidant infrastructure is not just present, but functional. ALKOSEL, as a source of bioavailable organic selenium, supports GPx directly and contributes to cellular-level protection. 3. Secondary antioxidants These include vitamin E, polyphenols, flavonoids, and other plant-based compounds. Their role is still crucial — but complementary. They act in various cellular compartments, such as the cytoplasm and cell membranes, but not in the mitochondria, where most ROS are generated. Importantly, their use should be requirement-based, not excessive. The goal isn’t “more antioxidant input,” but a balanced, multi-layered strategy aligned with biological processes. THE ANTIOXIDANT SYSTEM, VISUALIZED Imagine the animal body as a country: Organs as cities, cells as districts. Inside each district, mitochondria act as power plants — producing energy, but also sparks in the form of ROS. • Primary antioxidants are sprinkler systems inside these power plants, preventing the fire from spreading beyond the walls • MELOFEED increases the number of those sprinklers — so they are present when needed • Trace minerals are the water pipes, ensuring the systems can activate • Secondary antioxidants function as the firefighter, acting further downstream if needed Individually, none of these can handle the challenge. Together, they build a complete and effective protection system. WHAT IT MEANS FOR MODERN ANTIOXIDANT FORMULATIONS In periods of high demand – whether from intensive performance, environmental stress or metabolic challenges – the state of the body’s own defense system determines whether animals remain stable or react. A protection concept that works on multiple levels enables: • A shift from reactive supplementation to proactive resilience support, • A scientifically grounded, future-oriented solution to oxidative stress. The goal is not to eliminate components like vitamin E – but to embed them into a functional biological system that prevents oxidative stress at its source and supports the body where needed. When oxidative stress is controlled at the source, both animals and farms benefit in the long term: Greater stability during stress, improved recovery, enhanced performance – and with it, more robustness under real-life production conditions. Want to know more about oxidative stress and its consequences for animals? Watch our expert talk video! Do you want more information about ALKOSEL and MELOFEED? Visit our website!
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUxNjkxNQ==