Vitamin E supplementation affects the incidence of diseases related to oxidative stress in intensive poultry and pig farming

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4/13/20261 min read

Vitamin E is a potent lipid-soluble antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting cellular membranes from oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS) (Brigelius-Flohé & Traber, 1999). In intensive poultry and pig farming, oxidative stress is a common challenge due to high metabolic rates, environmental stressors, and rapid growth, leading to increased production of ROS (Surai, 2002). Supplementation with Vitamin E has been shown to enhance the antioxidant capacity of animals by stabilizing cell membranes and reducing lipid peroxidation (Surai & Speake, 2004). Several studies report that dietary Vitamin E supplementation reduces the incidence of diseases related to oxidative stress, such as ascites in poultry and respiratory diseases in pigs (Kumar et al., 2010). In chickens, increased Vitamin E intake improves immune function, thereby decreasing susceptibility to infections (Sharma et al., 2013). Conversely, Vitamin E deficiency has been linked to higher mortality rates and impaired growth performance, indicating its protective role (Surai & Fisinin, 2017). In pigs, adequate Vitamin E levels have been associated with improved reproductive performance and reduced incidence of inflammatory diseases (Wu et al., 2012). The effectiveness of Vitamin E supplementation depends on dosage, with optimal levels enhancing antioxidant defences without causing toxicity (Fletcher et al., 2002). Moreover, Vitamin E acts synergistically with other antioxidants, such as selenium, to further mitigate oxidative stress (Surai, 2002). Overall, supplementation with Vitamin E in intensive animal production systems can decrease the prevalence of oxidative stress-related diseases, promote health, and improve productivity (Kaya et al., 2016). However, excessive supplementation may have diminishing returns or adverse effects, highlighting the need for balanced dosing strategies (Fletcher et al., 2002).