ISSUE FOCUS 54 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE July 2025 These benefits are attributed not only to the healthier fatty acid profile of olive oil but to the presence of highly active small molecules with demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, as well. Among them, polyphenols (e.g., hydroxytyrosol) and pentacyclic triterpenes (e.g., maslinic acid and oleanolic acid) have been described as the most abundant in the olive fruit. The livestock are exposed to stressors present in our current production systems (nutritional, environmental, immunological, and social), that can trigger or exacerbate different physiological disorders, especially in the digestive system, manifested through complex inflammatory processes and oxidative stress. But what causes inflammation and oxidative stress on the intestinal mucosa, and what are the consequences for nutrient absorption? Continuous aggression to the intestinal mucosa caused by dietary changes, anti-nutritional factors, heat stress, and the replication of certain intestinal parasites and bacteria, such as coccidia and clostridium, leads to disruption of the intestinal epithelium and altered permeability. As a result, nutrient absorption by enterocytes is compromised. On the other hand, these conditions cause an imbalance between the oxidative products naturally generated in the body (e.g. Reactive Oxygen Species) and the natural mechanism of oxidative defense (e.g., Catalase). This imbalance results in an excessive concentration of harmful radicals inside the cell, with an immense capacity to damage and destroy cells at a higher rate than the tissue capacity for regeneration. Apart from intestinal tissue damage, it can also contribute, among other factors, to the development of certain myopathies that may affect meat quality. The greatest concern is the chronic nature of the inflammatory phenomenon, which remains subclinical in most cases, without evident alarm signs of its presence. This chronic condition results in reduced growth, altered muscle catabolism, and activation of the immune system. Additionally, the intestinal permeability is also imbalanced, negatively affecting nutrient absorption and increasing the incidence of watery feces. The practical consequences are decreased production efficiency and poor animal welfare. HEAT STRESS AND ITS PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES An increase in ambient temperature can also modify feed consumption patterns due to the metabolPhoto: Freepik
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