The Effects of a Fermented Rapeseed or/and Soybean Meal Additive on Antioxidant Parameters in the Blood and Tissues of Piglets

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) and/or rapeseed meal (FRSM) on the redox status of blood and tissues in piglets. The experiment was conducted on 150 28-day-old weaned piglets divided into five groups. Piglets in the control group received standard diets with soybean meal. Animals in the experimental groups received diets in which a portion of the soybean meal was replaced with FRSM and/or FSBM: group FR—8% FRSM; group FR/FS—6% FRSM and 2% FSBM; group FS/FR—2% FRSM and 6% FSBM; and group FS—8% FSBM. Group FR/FS showed an increase in total antioxidant potential of plasma (FRAP) and low-molecular-weight antioxidants, i.e., vitamin C, urea, uric acid, and albumin, as well as an increase in catalase activity. Blood levels of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) were decreased. A reduction in lipid peroxidation due to the use of FR/FS was also indicated by a decrease in liver MDA and jejunum wall LOOH levels. Increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity and vitamin C levels in these tissues were also noted. The results of the study indicate that the inclusion of fermented rapeseed meal in the diet (6%) in combination with soybean meal (2%), improved the redox status of the weaners.

Keywords

• fermented feeds
• piglets
• blood
• tissues
• redox status