The modern anti-stress technologies in poultry: from antioxidants to vitagenes

Upon the last 10 years, the numerous studies have convincingly shown the oxidative stress caused by excessive production of free radicals was the basis of the most stresses. In this, a delicate balance between anti- and pro-oxidants in the diet, gastrointestinal tract and the cells of various organs and tissues is the important factor which determines the resistance to stress and provides for an adaptive capacity of the organism to stressors. The defense agents are both natural antioxidants (vitamins E and C, carotenoids) or minerals of prosthetic groups of the antioxidant enzymes (selenium, zinc, manganese and copper), consumed from fodder, and protective molecules with an antioxidant activity (glutathione, thioredoxin, coenzyme Q) or protective functions, complementary to antioxidants (heat shock proteins, sirtuins, etc.), which are newly synthesized in organism. It was established that the synthesis of the above substances is regulated by a group of genes, the vitagenes, which in fact are the most important factors of adaptive capacity. Their activity is regulated by external factors, the stressors, and a number of substances having anti-oxidant properties, in particular carnitine, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, manganese, etc. As a result of our research, the Feed-Food Magic Anti-Stress Mix, a new feed additive which improves the ability of animal adaptation under stress, has been developed. It helps to overcome stress at lower losses and thus increase the efficiency of animal husbandry and poultry farming. The drug consists of 28 components, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, organic acids, electrolytes, еtс. Due to their optimized content and synergism, the efficient recycling of vitamin E is maintained to reduce the formation of free radicals in mitochondria, and a pronounced immunomodulating effect is expressed. Currently, the drug is successfully used in a number of poultry and pig-breeding complexes in Ukraine, Russia and several other countries.