polyphenols (Viveros) administered to chickens caused in- creased microbial diversity in several segments of the intes- tine. Additionally, gut morphology improved, which may lead to improved gut functionality. Grape polyphenols increased body weight and growth efficiency in chronically heat- stressed animals and reduced the gene expression of heat shock proteins, indicating a beneficial impact of polyphenols for animals reared in hot climates.
Polyphenol applications in animal rearing Inflammation Inflammatory syndromes may be linked to the use of unsatu- rated oils as energy sources in pigs and poultry, especially from vegetable sources. Inflammation (Gessner K et al.) is a natural reaction when microbial toxins or toxic chemicals from feed come into contact with tissues in the intestinal en- vironment, where this reaction may damage the tight junc- tion. This structure regulates the paracellular absorption route, and its damage opens up the passage to toxins and mi- croorganisms that invade the inner layers of the intestine, creating a protein- and energy-consuming response from the body. Polyphenols (Zhu, C.) may help in maintaining the in- tegrity of this critical structure.
Antioxidation Flavonoids (one type of polyphenol) scavenge free radicals and act as strong antioxidants and chelators of minerals (Foti MC). They also activate antioxidant enzymes, reduce alpha-toco- pherol radicals and inhibit oxidases. This improves metabolic processes and, in general, animal productive behaviour. The antioxidant activity of polyphenols appears to
complement vitamin E activity. Lowering the antioxidant sta- tus in production animals extends beyond the growth phase. Some studies (Brenes, A. et al.,) show that meat quality im- proves and shelf life extends when animals are supplied with polyphenols in the diet.
Gut microbiology and structure Polyphenols and their metabolites can affect the intestinal ecology modulating microbiota (Etxeberria, U. et al.,). In this sense, several phenolic compounds have been identified as potential antimicrobial agents with bacteriostatic or bacteri- cidal actions (Elizondo and Costabile, A et al.,). Some phenolic compounds may have potential to be applied as antimicrobial agents against infections. Microbiota modification and gut structure improvement is critical to modern nutrition practice. One of the effects re- ported from the use of polyphenols is decreased apoptosis, or cell death. Decreased apoptotic rates means less energy and protein use for cell replacement, and more left for ani- mal development. All in all, a net benefit for the animal and the producer.
Conclusion Science continues to demonstrate the benefits of using natu- ral polyphenol ingredients for the health of animals and the production of cleaner meat products. TruGro® is one source for natural polyphenol ingredients for animal feed. TruGro in- gredients, and expert formulation advice are available from Layn (
www.layncorp.com).
References available on request ▶ ALL ABOUT FEED | Volume 27, No. 9, 2019 13
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