SOURCES AND IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL ANTIOXIDANTS IN ANIMAL NUTRITION

S. Grigorova

Abstract: Antioxidants are a group of biologically active substances main their main property is the inactivation of free radicals (heavy metals, toxins ect.) in the body of humans and animals. They are associated with free radicals and stop their harmful effects on the body. Furthermore antioxidants inhibit the oxidative effect of oxygen on some feed ingredients and protect them for a while from demolition. The body of humans and animals produces some antioxidants (endogenous) and others (exogenous) receives from food and feed respectively. The endogenous antioxidants are preferably enzymes, coenzymes and sulfur-containing substances. They include the following enzymes: catalase, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. Exogenous antioxidants are vitamins, flavonoids, carotenoids and sulfur components. These are natural and synthetic. The sources of exogenous natural antioxidants are algae, green feeds, pumpkins, carrots, some plant extracts (Geranium sanguineum L., Tribulus terrestris L). The objective of this overview is to present feeds and feed additives, which are sources of natural antioxidants and to summarize their importance in feeding of livestock and poultry.

Keywords: feed additives; feeds; livestock; natural antioxidants

Date published: 2017-03-15