Grape polyphenols an alternative for synthetic vitamin E

Grape polyphenols (NuxaFen^®) can replace synthetic vitamin E in standard and demanding dietary formulations.

INTRODUCTION

Dry grape extracts (Vitis Vinifera spp. Vinifera, NuxaFen^®, Nuproxa Switzerland) contain high levels of polyphenols, including proanthocyanidins, which confer a high antioxidant capacity.

Polyphenols act as:

antioxidants by  inactivating free radicals,
chelating metal ions that promote the formation of free radicals,

and increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, CAT and GPx.

Previous studies have shown that NuxaFen^® can partially replace synthetic vitamin E in broiler diets without altering zootechnical performance (Dewez et al., 2022).

OBJECTIVE

Assessing the possibility of partially or totally replacing synthetic vitamin E in broilers fed a diet containing high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, Fe, and metabolizable energy (ME).

MATERIALS & METHODS

The study was conducted through ZOOTEST’s, Ploufragan research services, inside a commercial stable (GAEC de La Ville Gestin, Gestin 22640).

One thousand twenty (1020) ROSS-308 day-old chicks (100% males) were weighed and randomly distributed into 60 pens (N=17 chicks/pen). They were randomly assigned 6 treatments (T) (Table 1).

Treatments 1 and 4 were control diets supplemented with 50 mg/kg of vitamin E.
In T 2 and 5, 50% of vitamin E was replaced by 2.3 mg/kg NuxaFen^®.

and in T 3 and 6, 100% of vitamin E was replaced by
4.6 mg/kg NuxaFen^®.

According to results from previous studies, the established substitution ratio was 1:11 (NuxaFen^®: vitamin E) based on weight, (Dewez et al., 2022).

T4, T5 and T6 diets had a higher content of DM, as well as containing 5% flaxseed oil and 0.2% FeSO4 to increase oxidative stress in birds (challenge diets).

 

The experimental diets were based on wheat, corn and soybean meal and met the nutritional requirements of broilers.

The trial had a duration of 42 days.

 

Table 1: Description of treatments.

¹ME levels from starter diets (1-14 d), growth (15-28 d)and finish(29-42 d), respectively.

RESULTS

Broilers fed with the mentioned diet (Diet B, Figure 1)  reached a  lower body weight (BW) at 42 days. However,the only significant difference (p < 0.05) was observed between T 1 and 3 (higher BW) compared to T6 (lower BW).

Regarding the type of feed, no differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the treatments.

The lower body weight observed in birds fed with the mentioned diet was a consequence of a reduction in feed intake (Figure 1)

 

Figure 1. Body weigh at 42 days:

Diet A: standard diet;  Diet B: high ME, with 5% flaxseed oil and 0.2% FeSO4

The feed conversion ratio (FCR) improved (p < 0.05) in birds fed the questioned diet, probably due to the higher DM of these feeds (Figure 2).  Regarding the type of diet, no differences (p < 0.05) were observed between treatments.

In regards to other measurements recorded during the study, which included: poultry antioxidant status and processing yields; did not differ (p > 0.05) between feed type or dietary treatments.

Figure 2.  Feed conversion rate at 42 days:

Diet A: standard diet;  Diet B: high ME, with 5% flaxseed oil and 0.2% FeSO4.

The obtained results show no significant differences in the performance of broilers supplemented with synthetic vitamin E or grape extract. Regardless if the substitution was partial or complete.

CONCLUSION

NuxaFen®can partially or totally replace synthetic vitamin E at a 1:11 ratio, maintaining broiler  performance levels.

 

REFERENCES

Dewez et al. (2022). Comparative effect of partial vitamin E replacement with dry grape seed extract (Vitis Vinifera spp. Vinifera) on broiler performance and antioxidant status under stress conditions. World Poultry Congress, Paris.

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