Role of Vitamin E in Counteracting Oxidative Stress in Poultry

Abstract

Oxidative stress is defined as the imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants (in favor of the pro-oxidants). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced in the body continuously as a part of normal metabolism. Under normal physiological conditions a healthy balance exists between prooxidants and antioxidants. However, when the defense system gets disturbed due to fast growth, inadequate diet supply, disease, or other stressors, body is not able to synthesize the enzymes needed to destroy ROS or repair the damage. In the intensive system of poultry production birds are exposed to several stressors which may result in oxidative stress and lead to poor performance. Antioxidants in the animal body work together as the so called "antioxidant system" to prevent damaging effects of free radicals and toxic products of their metabolism. Vitamin E is considered as a very potent antioxidant in biological systems and found to be beneficial in counteracting the adverse effect of oxidative stress. The knowledge of antioxidant defense systems will serve as guiding principle for establishing most effective nutrition support to minimize oxidative stress. Such an approach will enhance bird health and welfare, product quality and will increase economic returns and the sustainability of poultry production. The current review describes the role of vitamin E as an antioxidant in alleviating oxidative stress in poultry.

The influence of mulberry leaf flavonoids and Candida tropicalis on antioxidant function and gastrointestinal development of preweaning calves challenged with Escherichia coli O141:K99

“…Weaning or dietary changes in neonatal animals can lead to oxidative stress due to an imbalance in free radical removal and production (Enríquez et al, 2011;Panda and Cherian, 2014). This imbalance could have many negative effects on animal health, such as lipid oxidation and subsequent metabolic disease, and could eventually reduce animal production (Enríquez et al, 2011;Panda and Cherian, 2014). Feed supplementation is a common practice in modern dairy farming to prevent oxidative stress and the resulting metabolic diseases in calves during preweaning and postweaning phases (Enríquez et al, 2011).…”

Antioxidant activity of vitamin e and its role in avian reproduction

“…Oxidative stress is caused by the imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants at either cellular or individual level (Panda & Cherian, 2014;Rahal et al, 2014). The production of ROS, also defined as oxidants, has become a concern because of their potential toxic consequence, at higher levels, on semen quality and functions (Agarwal et al, 2003;Khan et al, 2012).…”

“…The vitamin E is getting substantial interest in poultry feeding due to its key-role as a dietary antioxidant to prevent oxidative stress (Dhama et al, 2014). Vitamin E is a well-documented fat-soluble antioxidant and has been shown to inhibit free radical-induced damage to sensitive cell membranes (Panda & Cherian, 2014;Rengaraj & Hong, 2015). Vitamin E is supplemented to the diet to maintain and enhance performance in layers, broilers, broiler breeders, and turkey (Sunder et al, 1997;Panda et al, 2009;Khan et al, 2012).…”

“…Vitamin E is supplemented to the diet to maintain and enhance performance in layers, broilers, broiler breeders, and turkey (Sunder et al, 1997;Panda et al, 2009;Khan et al, 2012). The results obtained varied depending upon the level and duration of feeding diets supplemented with vitamin E, genetic stocks, age, assessment criteria and stress conditions (Panda et al, 2009;Panda & Cherian, 2014).…”

Dietary Supplementation of Barbatimão (Stryphnodendron Adstringens) and Pacari (Lafoensia Pacari) Extracts on the Oxidative Stability and Quality of Chicken Meat

“…Lipid oxidation causes oxidative stress, which is the imbalance between prooxidant and antioxidant substances, resulting in meat rancidity (Araújo et al, 2007;Panda & Cherian, 2014).…”