Reducing oxidative stress with OxiGuard
During the life of production animals there are many situations that can lead to increased oxidative stress. An excess of free radicals is associated with increased susceptibility to disease and impaired animal performance. To relieve oxidative stress, antioxidants, such as vitamin E and C are added to the diet. Polyphenols can also be used as effective alternative dietary antioxidants. At Koudijs, we have developed our own polyphenol antioxidant product called OxiGuard.
Partially replacing vitamin E
In addition to relieving oxidative stress, vitamin E has other essential functions, such as prevention of muscle degeneration and to a lesser extent, prevention of fertility disorders and reduced immune response. This makes vitamin E a crucial vitamin for livestock. Its antioxidant function can however be replaced with alternative antioxidants. OxiGuard is a particularly interesting alternative. It saves costs without losing performance of your animals. Following price trends in recent months, vitamin E prices have increased significantly, making partial replacement with OxiGuard even more interesting.
A combination of the most effective ingredients was chosen to formulate OxiGuard. It contains polyphenols from five different ingredients - grape seeds and skins, pomegranate, cloves, chestnut and quebracho. These ingredients were selected based on an ex vivo screening test measuring the antioxidant capacity of each ingredient. OxiGuard's antioxidant capacity compared to vitamin E50 and a polyphenol benchmark product is shown in the graph. The product is formulated in such a way that it can replace vitamin E50 in a 1:1 ratio. Depending on the animal species and the current vitamin E level in the diet, vitamin E can be replaced by up to 50%.
Ingredients in OxiGuard were selected based on antioxidant capacity and price.
OxiGuard is a particularly interesting alternative for vitamin E. It saves costs without losing performance of your animals
Additional support during stressful periods
In addition to saving feed costs, OxiGuard can also support animals under conditions of increased oxidative stress such as heat stress, weaning, transition, lactation, chronic infection and very high production levels. We can advise you on the right OxiGuard dosage based on your specific production species and situation.
For more information, please contact your Koudijs representative
About the author
Yvonne van der Meer
International Product Manager Functional Ingredients
