The aim of this study was to evaluate the fermentability of selected sugar substrates using an in vitro gas production test and volatile fatty acid (VFA) analysis with a caecum inoculum from rabbits. The incubated substrates are glucose, fructose, sucrose, molasses and Molkolac (R) (high lactose content). In addition to determining the gas production of selected substrates, the VFA concentration was also determined after 8 h of incubation in the inoculum prepared from the caecal content of the rabbit. The gas production kinetics parameters were estimated using the Gompertz model and the maximum fermentation rate (MFR), time of maximum fermentation rate (TMFR), lag phase (Lag), amount of gas produced within 8 h (GAS8), maximum fermentation rate within 8 hours (MFR8), total amount of VFA, proportions of each VFA and the ratio between each VFA were determined. Sucrose and molasses yielded the highest gas and VFA production, with molasses showing a slower but intense early fermentation phase. Molkolac exhibited the lowest fermentability. Fermentation of sucrose and glucose was associated with a higher butyrate content, while molasses and Molkolac led to a higher acetate content. Although monosaccharides are normally absorbed in the small intestine, the results of this study confirm that if some sugars, particularly glucose, sucrose, and to a lesser extent fructose, reach the rabbit caecum, they can undergo intense fermentation comparable only to that of sugar beet pulp. In contrast, molasses and lactose (Molkolac) showed lower fermentation efficiency (lower total gas production), with molasses still making a notable contribution due to its rapid onset of fermentation, while lactose had minimal effects.

Broilers are highly susceptible to heat stress (HS), which can impair bone growth and metabolism. Supplementation with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) may affect the metabolism of mineralized tissues, whereas antioxidants can mitigate these effects. The aim was to investigate the combined effects of HS (thermoneutral conditions vs. cyclic HS) or dietary oxidative stress induced by supranutritional n-3 PUFA (control feed without PUFA vs. feed supplemented with 5% linseed oil) with two levels (lower and higher) of dietary antioxidants and minerals on bone properties. The morphology and geometry of the proximal tibiotarsal growth plate, biomechanical behavior, and mineral composition of 42-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were evaluated. HS and high PUFA levels decreased bone size and mass, whereas supplementation with high antioxidant levels had the opposite effect. High PUFA supplementation induced histopathological changes in the growth plate that resembled tibial dyshondroplasia; these effects were attenuated by supplementation with high levels of antioxidants. Additionally, HS had a negative effect on the biomechanics and reduced the crude ash content. High levels of antioxidants increased the bone ash content, fat content, Ca content and Ca:P ratio. Our results suggest that HS and PUFA impair the growth of bones, hindering the overall growth of fast-growing broilers. The incidence of dyshondroplasia appears to be related to diet rather than to environmental changes. High antioxidant levels mitigate the negative effects of both stressors to some extent, suggesting that antioxidants have positive effects on bone growth and functionality, especially under nonoptimal environmental conditions and dietary stress.

Bacillus -based probiotics are recognized as safe and effective alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production. This study evaluated the effects of Bacillus subtilis PS-216 on broiler performance, gut health, and meat quality. Broilers received PS-216 spores continuously via drinking water (2 × 10 9 spores/L; SW) or feed at low (2 × 10 6 spores/kg; SF1) or high (2 × 10 9 spores/kg; SF2) concentrations. Parameters were assessed at days 23 and 44, including growth performance, lymphatic organ weights, cecal microbiota composition, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles, and meat quality. All treatment groups demonstrated significant performance improvements compared to controls: body weight increased by 7.4–8.1% and feed conversion ratio improved by 3–11%. Thymus weight increased by approx. 22% across all groups, indicating immunomodulatory effects. Microbiota analysis revealed beneficial shifts including increased butyrate-producing taxa ( Selenomonadales , Clostridium sensu stricto) and reduced stress-associated Anaeroplasma . The SF2 group showed enhanced cecal butyrate and acetate concentrations at day 23, with sustained butyrate elevation at day 44. Additionally, meat quality improvements were observed, particularly reduced electrical conductivity and improved breast meat color distribution in the SF2 group. Feed supplementation at 2 × 10 9 spores/kg (SF2) provided the most comprehensive benefits across all measured parameters. These findings demonstrate that B. subtilis PS-216 enhances broiler performance through beneficial microbiota modulation and immune function improvement, supporting its potential as a sustainable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in commercial poultry production.

The production of olive oil results in various by-products such as olive leaves and olive pulp, which can be utilized in animal nutrition. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary olive leaves and olive pulp on the oxidative status and fatty acid (FA) composition of broiler breast meat. A total of 120 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into 5 experimental groups: 1 control group (Cont) without supplementation and 4 experimental groups supplemented with either 5% or 10% olive leaves (OLeav5; OLeav10) or olive pulp (OPulp5; OPulp10). Blood and breast muscle samples were taken at the end of the experiment. The results showed that the addition of olive leaves or olive pulp did not significantly alter the concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the antioxidant capacity of lipid-soluble compounds (ACL) in the blood or the enzyme activities of the liver. However, the antioxidant capacity of water-soluble compounds (ACW) in serum was reduced in broilers receiving 5% olive pulp or 10% olive leaves (p = 0.002). In addition, meat quality parameters were not affected by olive leaves or pulp intake, although 10% olive leaves reduced lightness (L*) (p = 0.023) and α-tocopherol concentration in breast muscle (p = 0.001) compared to control. Olive leaves and pulp intake also affected the FA profile of the breast muscle, with 5% olive pulp increasing monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content (p = 0.002), while 10% olive leaves increased polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (p = 0.015). In conclusion, supplementation with up to 5% olive leaves or pulp had no adverse effects on the oxidative status and meat quality of broilers.

The study examined the combined effects of a diet high in n-3 PUFAs and cyclic heat stress (HS) considering two levels of dietary antioxidants. A total of 192 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were divided into eight groups in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design: thermoneutral (TN) or heat-stressed (34°C ± 1°C for 7 h/day from day 22) × fed a diet low in antioxidants (NRC group) or high in antioxidants (HAOX group; supplemented with a mixture of 200 IU/kg vitamin E, 250 mg/kg vitamin C and 0.15 mg/kg selenium) and supplemented or not with 5% linseed oil, forming the NRC N-3 and HAOX N-3 groups. High intake of n-3 PUFAs increased plasma F2-isoprostane and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Cyclic HS decreased final body weight (BW) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) and increased DNA damage and serum corticosterone (CORT) levels. In addition, the changes in blood biochemistry indicated that the broilers were undergoing respiratory alkalosis. Interactions between n-3 PUFAs and HS were observed in liver MDA levels, plasma γ-tocopherol levels and serum alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity. Antioxidants increased blood levels of α-tocopherol, vitamin C, lipid- and water-soluble antioxidants and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, while decreasing MDA, F2-isoprostane, CORT and AP levels. High intake of n-3 PUFA in combination with cyclic HS had negative effects on the health status of the broilers, which were alleviated by additional antioxidant supplementation.

This study investigated the individual and combined effects of a high dietary n-3 PUFA intake and cyclic heat stress (HS) on the carcass characteristics, meat quality, and oxidative stability of broiler breast meat and the potential of antioxidant supplementation (vitamins E, C, and selenium) to mitigate these effects. A total of 192 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to 24 pens within two controlled environment chambers and fed with the following diets: a basal diet low in antioxidants according to NRC recommendations (NRC group), a basal diet according to Aviagen recommendations additionally supplemented with 200 IU/kg vitamin E, 250 mg/kg vitamin C, and 0.15 mg/kg selenium (HAOX group), and these two diets further supplemented with 5% linseed oil (NRC N-3 and HAOX N-3 groups). On day 22, the broilers were exposed to the following two environmental conditions: thermoneutral (TN, 21 °C) or cyclic HS (HS, 34 ± 1 °C, 7 h/d) in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. A high intake of n-3 PUFAs significantly decreased growth performance, dressing percentage, and breast yield, while the incidence of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) meat characteristics and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased. Cyclic HS reduced body weight (BW) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), but had limited effects on meat quality. No interactions between n-3 PUFAs and HS were observed for any measurements. High antioxidant supplementation increased breast yield, improved meat quality, and reduced oxidative stress, as evidenced by an enhanced antioxidant activity and lower MDA levels. In conclusion, n-3 PUFAs had a negative effect on both the carcass characteristics and meat quality of broilers, while HS primarily affected only carcass characteristics, with neither stressor having severe adverse effects. High levels of antioxidants could mitigate the negative effects of dietary- and heat-induced oxidative stress by enhancing the oxidative stability of broiler meat.

The gastrointestinal tract of broilers is susceptible to oxidative stress induced by heat stress (HS) and diet, which can be mitigated by the supply of exogenous vitamins and antioxidants. The aim of this study was to compare the extent of the effects of cyclic HS, and high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (HP) on gut health. It also aimed to investigate whether additional supplementation with vitamins E, C and selenium (HA) is required to support gut health under these conditions. In the present study, 192 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into eight experimental groups. Exposure to HS and HP significantly (p < 0.001) decreased villus height and villus-to-crypt ratio in the duodenum, while no differences were observed in the jejunum and ileum. In addition, oxidative stress in the liver, indicated by increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, was increased in the HP groups (p < 0.0001), while the HA groups had a positive effect on lowering MDA levels. The results confirm that cyclic HS and HP induce oxidative stress that damages the structure of intestinal morphology and that supplementation with HA could be a potential approach to mitigate the negative effects of these stressors.

To improve laying hen welfare the EU banned conventional cages more than a decade ago. However, it turned out that permitted hen housing systems are not rid of animal welfare problems. One of them is an alarmingly high prevalence of keel bone damage (KBD) in alternative housing systems. For non-EU countries, like Serbia, where keeping laying hens in conventional cages has not yet been officially abandoned, it is very important to learn the lesson from the EU experience. However, the question is who could/should initiate the legislation change, since it is hypothesized in this paper that current knowledge about KBD in Serbia is limited. The main aim of this paper is to find out stakeholders’ knowledge and perceptions about KBD in order to identify initiator(s) for the enhancement of the regulation on laying hen welfare in Serbia. For this purpose, a survey has been conducted. A total of 547 respondents representing main stakeholders (57 poultry farmers, 159 poultry experts/professionals, and 331 citizens/consumers) were interviewed. The obtained results confirmed the initial hypothesis that, in general, knowledge about the topic of KBD is very low. Particularly low is the knowledge of citizens. It is therefore not to be expected that this change in welfare standards will be initiated by the general public. Despite farmers’ somewhat better knowledge of KBD, it is unrealistic to expect them to initiate changes that are likely to impose costs on their business. Hence, the only driving force behind legislative changes could/should be experts/professionals. Their knowledge is also limited but is better than the knowledge of other stakeholders. The agricultural advisory service, as well as veterinarians, should play a strong role in this process and should act as soon as possible by giving recommendations to decision-makers for the laying hens' welfare regulation enhancement.

In recent decades, global production of poultry meat has increased due to its affordable prices and good nutritional value. The latter has been achieved by intensive selection of broilers for increased growth rate, feed efficiency, breast yield and reduced abdominal fat deposition. On the other hand, intensive selection and increasing demand for poultry meat, as well as some environmental stressors, such as changes in environmental temperature, feeding regime, breeding technology, and improper handling procedures before slaughter, lead to increased susceptibility of animals to oxidative stress, resulting in poorer sensory and technological characteristics of chicken meat. As a result of intensive broiler production and the increase in breast muscle, various breast muscle abnormalities or myopathies have been observed. The most common ones include deep pectoral myopathy, pale, soft and exudative like meat, white striping, wooden-breast and spaghetti meat, which mainly affect the pectoralis major breast muscle and negatively influence the sensory and technological characteristics of breast meat. The muscle abnormalities have a detrimental effect on quality and nutritional value of meat, affect consumer compromise consumers acceptance, and cause economic losses in the meat processing industry.

Myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) is the most common naturally occurring heart disease in dogs. There is a lack of data on antioxidant status and oxidative damage in dogs with MMVD stage B1 according to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM B1). The aim of this study was to investigate antioxidant status (plasma vitamin E, lipid-standardized vitamin E (LS-VitE), antioxidant capacity of lipid-(ACL) and water-soluble antioxidants, whole blood glutathione peroxidase and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase), and lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde (MDA)] in dogs with MMVD ACVIM B1. Serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were measured to calculate LS-VitE. Fourteen dogs with MMVD ACVIM B1 and 12 control dogs were included in the study. Dogs with MMVD had significantly higher vitamin E, ACL, MDA, and cholesterol concentrations and significantly higher LS-VitE values than control dogs. No significant correlations between MDA and antioxidant parameters were determined in either group. In conclusion, oxidative damage to lipids is already present and the antioxidant status is altered but not depleted in dogs with MMVD ACVIM B1. The antioxidant response to increased oxidative damage consists mainly of the activation of fat-soluble antioxidants. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy and targets of early antioxidant supplementation to prevent or ameliorate oxidative stress and mitigate disease progression in dogs with early-stage MMVD.

The objective of this study was to establish the effects of chestnut tannin extract or vitamin E added to linseed oil-enriched diets on growth performance, meat quality, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 240 day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were included in trial. 5% of cold-pressed linseed oil was included in finisher diets (21–40 days), and three feeding treatments with four replicates were formed: finisher without additives; finisher + 200 IU vitamin E/kg; finisher + 500 mg/kg of chestnut wood tannin extract. No significant influence of treatments was established on body weight or feed conversion ratio. A negative effect on feed intake (p < 0.05) was found in the vitamin E group. The addition of vitamin E increased the dressing percentage (p < 0.05) and increased the breast meat yield (p < 0.01) compared to the control group. No significant effects were found on the water holding capacity or pH of breast meat. The highest level of AST (p < 0.01) and ALT (p < 0.05) was recorded in vitamin E group. The addition of chestnut tannin extract in feed increased villus height, villus height: crypt depth ratio, and villus area compared to the other two groups (p < 0.05). It can be concluded that vitamin E supplementation improves carcass percentage and breast meat yield, while chestnut tannins improve the intestinal morphology of broiler chickens when added to oil-enriched diets.

In this perspective analysis, we strive to answer the following question: how can we advance integrative biology research in the 21st century with lessons from animal science? At the University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty, Department of Animal Science, we share here our three lessons learned in the two decades from 2002 to 2022 that we believe could inform integrative biology, systems science, and animal science scholarship in other countries and geographies. Cultivating multiomics knowledge through a conceptual lens of integrative biology is crucial for life sciences research that can stand the test of diverse biological, clinical, and ecological contexts. Moreover, in an era of the current COVID-19 pandemic, animal nutrition and animal science, and the study of their interactions with human health (and vice versa) through integrative biology approaches hold enormous prospects and significance for systems medicine and ecosystem health.

Over the last decade, the two-phase centrifugation system for olive-oil extraction has become dominant in Slovenia. There are many suggestions for the exploitation of two-phase OMW, but among the suggested methods, direct spreading on agricultural land appears to be operationally simple and economically feasible for Slovenia. As there is little information available about two-phase OMW produced in the northern Mediterranean regions, the aim was to determine its composition and evaluate its use as a soil amendment in olive groves. This study shows that the characteristics of two-phase olive-mill waste produced in northern Mediterranean regions are similar to those of other countries. In addition, the calcareous characteristics of the Mediterranean soil can reduce its phytotoxic effects and might thus represent a natural system for olive-mill waste treatment. Phenolic compounds in the two-phase olive-mill waste are rapidly decomposed, and the soil has a high buffering capacity. Furthermore, the results of the soil analysis also showed some effects on the soil properties, such as a significant increase in K2O and soil organic carbon. The combined application of two-phase olive-mill waste and mineral fertilizer to olive groves on eutric cambisols has positive effects on the physical, chemical and biochemical properties of the soil.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with vitamin E, vitamin C, and Se, alone or in combination, on carcass characteristics, oxidative stability and meat quality parameters of breast meat from broilers exposed to cyclic heat stress (HS), and stored under different conditions. A total of 120 one-day-old male Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to six dietary treatments: NRC (minimal nutrition requirements), AVI (commercial nutritional recommendations for Ross 308 broilers), AVI + vitE (as AVI + 200 IU vitamin E/kg feed), AVI + vitC (as AVI + 250 mg vitamin C/kg feed), AVI + Se (as AVI + 0.2 mg Se/kg feed), and AVI + ECSe (as AVI + vitE + vitC + Se). From day 26 onwards, all birds were exposed to a high ambient temperature (31 °C) for 8 h per day. The results showed that dietary vitamin E alone or in combination with vitamin C and Se significantly increased the α-tocopherol content and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in breast meat. Although no obvious synergistic effects of the added antioxidants were observed, the addition of higher levels of vitamin E, vitamin C and Se to broiler diets had no adverse effects on carcass traits, oxidative stability and meat quality parameters when supplemented either alone or in combination.

Background Inflammation and oxidative stress can contribute to the development and progression of heart failure. This study aimed to investigate the association between inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF). Associations between the disease severity marker N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress were also determined. Results Thirty-seven dogs with cardiovascular diseases (dilated cardiomyopathy, DCM (16 dogs), myxomatous mitral valve disease, MMVD (21 dogs)) and ten healthy dogs were included in this prospective study. The patients were further divided into groups with (26) and without CHF (11). We found a significantly higher serum concentration of C-reactive protein ( P = 0.012), white blood cell ( P = 0.001), neutrophil ( P = 0.001) and monocyte counts ( P = 0.001) in patients with CHF compared to control dogs. The concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was significantly higher in patients with CHF compared to patients without CHF ( P = 0.030). No significant difference was found in most of the measured parameters between MMVD and DCM patients, except for glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and NT-proBNP. In patients with CHF, TNF-α correlated positively with malondialdehyde ( P = 0.014, r = 0.474) and negatively with GPX ( P = 0.026, r = − 0.453), and interleukin-6 correlated negatively with GPX ( P = 0.046, r = − 0.412). NT-proBNP correlated positively with malondialdehyde ( P = 0.011, r = 0.493). In patients without CHF none of the inflammatory and oxidative stress markers correlated significantly. Furthermore, in the group of all cardiac patients, GPX activity significantly negatively correlated with NT-proBNP ( P = 0.050, r = − 0.339) and several markers of inflammation, including TNF-α ( P = 0.010, r = − 0.436), interleukin-6 ( P = 0.026, r = − 0.382), white blood cell ( P = 0.032, r = − 0.369), neutrophil ( P = 0.027, r = − 0.379) and monocyte counts ( P = 0.024, r = − 0.386). Conclusion Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers are linked in canine CHF patients, but not in patients without CHF. These results suggest complex cross communication between the two biological pathways in advanced stages of CHF.

Chickens in different housing systems are often exposed to oxidative stress, which can lead to impaired health along with reduced performance and quality of meat. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of hop supplementation to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) rich feed mixtures on performance, oxidative stress in vivo, and oxidative stability of broiler meat. A total of 84 male broilers (Ross 308) were caged in floor cages and randomly divided into 3 groups of 28 birds each with 4 replicate pens for each group. All groups received a high PUFA diet containing 7.5% linseed oil that was either un-supplemented (CONT) or supplemented with 0.9 g of hops/kg of feed (HOPS_0. 9) or 3.6 g of hops/kg of feed (HOPS_3. 6). Oxidative stress in vivo was studied by measuring lymphocyte DNA damage, malondialdehyde (MDA) in plasma and breast muscle, and antioxidant capacity of lipid- (ACL) and water-soluble compounds (ACW) in the blood. The oxidative stability of meat was studied by measuring MDA and vitamin E in raw and refrigerated as well as deep-frozen breast meat. Hop supplementation in the highest concentration reduced performance. A higher level of supplementation (3.6 g hops/kg) induced MDA formation in plasma, decreased lymphocyte DNA fragmentation, and reduced ACL in comparison to the CONT group. In fresh meat, the concentration of MDA was higher in the HOPS_3. 6 group, but statistical differences between the groups of stored meat were not found. The concentrations of vitamin E, gamma-tocopherol, were statistically lower in both experimental groups in comparison to CONT in fresh and stored meat. In conclusion, the results of the study showed detrimental effects of hops (especially at 3.6 g/kg) supplementation on performance and on some in vivo parameters of oxidative stress, while on the other hand, the rate of fragmentation of lymphocyte DNA was reduced. A negative effect of hop supplementation was observed primarily on the oxidative stability of raw meat.

An experiment in broilers was conducted to investigate the effect of olive (Olea europea) leaves and marigold (Calendula officinalis) petal extract supplementation on oxidative stress, characteristics of intestinal contents, and on the morphology of the small intestine. Oxidative stress was induced by a n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids rich diet. 1-day-old male broiler chickens, Ross 308, were housed in a deep litter system. After the first 21 days, animals were randomly divided into three groups of 16 animals in two replicates and fed, until slaughter on day 39, a diet that contained 7% linseed oil. Control diet (Cont) remained unsupplemented, while both experimental diets were supplemented with olive leaves (OliveEx) or marigold petal (MarigEx) extracts. Oxidative stress was evaluated in blood and liver by measuring markers of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde (MDA), isoprostanes), rate of DNA damage in lymphocytes and in blood (comet assay, 8-hydroxy-2'deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)), and activity of antioxidant and liver enzymes in blood. In different parts of the intestine, levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), and viscosity of intestinal contents were measured, and the health of the gastrointestinal tract was assessed using histological measurements. OliveEx significantly (p<0.05) decreased the MDA and 8-OHdG concentration in plasma, and the level of ethanoic acid in small intestinal contents and total SCFA in caecum, indicating improved oxidative status and increased microbial activity in the intestine. MarigEx significantly (p <0.05) decreased the rate of lymphocyte DNA damage and the crypt depth in duodenum, indicating potentially beneficial effects on the immune system and the health of the small intestine. In conclusion, dietary OliveEx and MarigEx supplementation improved some markers of oxidative stress and intestinal health. However, positive effects could be more pronounced in more unfavorable environmental conditions or in cases of diseases, but further studies are needed.

BackgroundAntioxidants located in both the hydrophilic and lipophilic compartments of plasma act as a defence system against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Excessive production of ROS during anaesthesia affects the antioxidant capacity of plasma and may result in oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of lipid- (ACL) and water-soluble (ACW) antioxidants in client-owned dogs diagnosed with periodontal disease and early-stage myxomatous mitral valve degeneration (MMVD) and anaesthetised for a dental procedure with propofol and sevoflurane or with propofol only.ResultsDogs with MMVD were anaesthetised with propofol and sevoflurane (MMVD/PS, n=8) or with propofol only (MMVD/P, n=10). Dogs with no evidence of MMVD (PS, n=12) were anaesthetised with propofol and sevoflurane. Blood samples for determination of ACL and ACW were collected before and 5min, 60min and 6h after induction to anaesthesia. In MMVD/PS dogs, ACL was significantly higher at all sampling times when compared to PS dogs. Compared to basal values, only anaesthesia maintained with propofol significantly increased ACL at 60min in dogs with MMVD. In MMVD/P dogs, ACW increased after induction to anaesthesia and remained elevated up to 6h after anaesthesia. Compared to basal values, anaesthesia maintained with sevoflurane significantly increased ACW only at 60min in both dogs with and without MMVD. The only difference between propofol and propofol/sevoflurane anaesthesia in dogs with MMVD was significantly higher ACW at 60min after induction to anaesthesia in the propofol group.ConclusionsRegarding antioxidant capacity, propofol could be a better choice than sevoflurane for anaesthesia of dogs with early-stage MMVD, although further studies are necessary to clarify the advantage of this antioxidant capacity.

The aim of the current study was to assess the antioxidative effects of the dietary supplementation of olive leaf extract (OLE) in different concentrations compared to those of vitamin E in piglets under conditions of dietary n-3 PUFA-induced oxidative stress. Forty-eight castrated male piglets (10.6 ± 0.99 kg) were fed the following experimental diets: Cont− (low-fat diet, no supplement), Cont+ (high linseed oil diet, no supplement), Vit-E (as Cont+, 105 IU vitamin E/day), OLE-1 (as Cont+, 3.84 mg hydroxytyrosol equivalents (HEQs)/day), OLE-2 (as Cont+, 38.4 mg HEQ/day), and OLE-3 (as Cont+, 96 mg HEQ/day). After 21 days of feeding, the experimental diets, blood and urine samples were collected to assess the extent of the oxidative stress. Results indicated that diet OLE-1 lowered the activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase, protected DNA (measured as DNA tail %) and altered urinary 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). Dietary vitamin E lowered the levels of urinary F2-isoprostanes, as well as of plasma malondialdehyde and γ-tocopherol, but raised the plasmatic α-tocopherol and altered the level of urinary 8-OHdG. In conclusion, only minor positive effects of dietary OLE on the oxidative stress parameters were observed. Additionally, OLE did not show concentration dependence.

In a previous study, we examined the synergistic effects of the dietary supranutritional supplementation with vitamin E, vitamin C, and Se on the in vivo antioxidative status of broilers under conditions of dietary oxidative stress induced by feeding a diet high in n-3 PUFA. In this study, we examined the effect of their inclusion on the quality characteristics and oxidative stability of raw or cooked meat, both fresh or after a long-term frozen storage. Four hundred 21-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were allocated to 5 experimental groups fed 5% linseed oil-enriched finisher diets (days 21 to 40): Cont (recommended levels of vitamin E, C, and selenium), +E (200 IU vitamin E/kg feed), +C (250 mg vitamin C/kg feed), +Se (0.2 mg selenium/kg feed), or +ECSe (concentrations as in the sole supplementation, combined). Animal performance and carcass characteristics were monitored at the age of 40 D. Breast meat samples of 12 chickens per group were analysed fresh, fresh after frozen storage, cooked fresh, and cooked after frozen storage (2 x 2 factorial design) for parameters of meat quality (water-holding capacity-WHC, pH, and color) and oxidative stability (concentrations of vitamin E, malondialdehyde-MDA, antioxidant capacity of the water-soluble compounds-ACW, and fatty acid composition). Vitamin E alone (+E) and combined with Se and vitamin C (+ECSe) increased the alpha-tocopherol concentration in breast muscle, and showed similar protective effects against lipid peroxidation measured as MDA regardless of the frozen storage or cooking. The sole supplementation of vitamin C or selenium showed no effects on the meat quality parameters. In conclusion, the dietary supranutritional inclusion of vitamin E inhibited the lipid peroxidation in fresh, frozen stored, cooked fresh, and frozen stored meat in broilers fed with diets rich in n-3 PUFAs. Even though no clear synergistic effects of the supranutritional supplementation of vitamin C and Se with vitamin E were detected, their dietary inclusion did not negatively affect broilers carcass and meat quality parameters.