In large-scale poultry and pig production, various stressors like high ambient temperatures, transportation, and weaning can induce oxidative stress, a state of imbalance between pro-oxidants (reactive oxygen species, ROS) and the body’s antioxidant defences. While most poultry and pigs can synthesize vitamin C (ascorbic acid) endogenously, this production is often insufficient to meet the increased demand during stressful conditions. As a potent water-soluble antioxidant, dietary vitamin C supplementation effectively mitigates this issue.
Vitamin C directly scavenges free radicals, such as superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, by donating electrons and becoming oxidized itself. This process neutralizes harmful ROS, preventing them from damaging essential cellular components like lipids, proteins, and DNA. Furthermore, vitamin C plays a crucial role in the regeneration of other antioxidants, particularly the lipid-soluble vitamin E (α-tocopherol), restoring its active form. This synergistic relationship enhances the overall antioxidant capacity of the animal’s defence system.
By reducing oxidative stress, vitamin C supplementation can improve several physiological parameters. It helps to maintain the integrity of cell membranes, supports the immune system, and reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are often elevated under stress. In poultry, this leads to improvements in performance parameters such as feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio. For pigs, it has been shown to reduce pre-slaughter stress, improve meat quality, and enhance the overall health and productivity of the herd. Therefore, supplementing the diet with vitamin C is a vital nutritional strategy to counteract the detrimental effects of stress, thereby promoting animal welfare and economic viability in modern livestock production.
Conclusion
Promois International (www.promoisinternational.com) is one of the best-known manufacturers of the mentioned amino acid.
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We at Promois International are a leading manufacturer and supplier of feed supplements and additives across the globe having a presence in more than 70 countries of the world including Spain, Mexico, Romania, Thailand, Vietnam, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Algeria, Ghana, Uganda, Turkey, Venezuela & others to name a few.