The role of Selko AOmix in combating oxidative stress
Oxidative stress in cattle can cause various health problems, including reduced growth, immune function, and reproductive performance. To mitigate oxidative stress in cattle, it is important to provide a balanced diet with adequate levels of antioxidants. The effectiveness of antioxidants depends on factors such as their bioavailability and solubility. To address these concerns, specially formulated alternatives to vitamin E, such as Selko AOmix, have been developed. These alternatives provide optimal digestibility and cover the complete water-to-fat-soluble range, ensuring the delivery of antioxidants to every part of the cattle's cells.
Crucial factors in antioxidant effectiveness
- Good bioavailability for optimal absorption: if the supplement is not well-digested, fewer antioxidants are made available. The bioavailability of antioxidants depends on the absorption and the distribution in the cells.
- Another factor in an antioxidant’s effectiveness is its water vs. fat solubility, which can vary widely. Solubility is what determines where antioxidants are distributed in the body. Vitamin E, for instance, mainly delivers its antioxidant effect at the cell membrane, and has less impact on the internal or external cell environment (Figure 1).
Ruminants and monogastrics have different digestive systems. Therefore, the antioxidants offered to them differ in bioavailability. In ruminants, bioavailability is directly linked to the polyphenol’s susceptibility to fermentation in the rumen, the type of fermentation products produced, and the bioavailability of bypass polyphenols of polyphenol fermentation products. Based on that knowledge, Selko formulated ruminant specific alternatives to partially replace vitamin E. Plant extracts were selected which either contain bypass polyphenols or which are fermented into potent and bioavailable polyphenols. The resulting product is Selko AOmix and is capable of substituting and/or complementing the antioxidant protection that most cattle currently get from Vitamin E supplemented above requirements (Figure 2).
