{"id":31966,"date":"2020-11-23T10:17:33","date_gmt":"2020-11-23T09:17:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\/"},"modified":"2025-10-20T09:48:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T07:48:47","slug":"oxidative-stress-in-livestock","status":"publish","type":"insights","link":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/insights\/oxidative-stress-in-livestock\/","title":{"rendered":"How does oxidative stress affect the overall well-being and productivity of livestock animals?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"block block-hero block-hero--small text-left  block-hero--onlyTitle \">\n\n            <div class=\"block-hero__img\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/impact-of-oxidative-stress-header-02-1600x350.jpg)\"><\/div>\n        <div class=\"block-hero__content\">\n            <div class=\"container mt-sm-n15 mt-md-n40\">\n                <div class=\"row\">\n                    <div class=\"col\">\n                         \t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"block-hero__title text-white\">The hidden threat: <br>understanding and managing oxidative stress in livestock<\/h1>\t\t\t\t\t\n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"row\">\n                    <div class=\"col\">\n                        \n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-editor text-left pt-15 pt-md-20 pt-lg-30  \" data-aos=\"none\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row\">\n            <div class=\"col   text-left\">\n                                    <h3 class=\"nag__h4 h3\">Key take-away<\/h3>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"c-text\">\n                        <p><strong>Oxidative stress<\/strong>, resulting from an <strong>imbalance between antioxidant defenses and reactive oxygen species (ROS)<\/strong>, is a critical challenge in intensive livestock farming.<br \/>\nOxidative stress <strong>impacts animal health and productivity through multiple pathways<\/strong>: it<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>compromises immune function,<\/li>\n<li>reduces gut health and nutrient absorption,<\/li>\n<li>damages vital organs like the liver and kidneys,<\/li>\n<li>and impairs reproductive performance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The effects extend to meat quality, causing issues such as increased drip loss, rapid discoloration, and muscle disorders. These impacts collectively lead to decreased animal performance and economic losses for farmers. Phytogenic products emerge as a promising solution, offering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that can help manage oxidative stress and support antibiotic-free production.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\n<div class=\"block block-title text-start pt-15 pt-md-20 pt-lg-30  \" data-aos=\"none\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row\">\n            <div class=\"col\">\n                <div class=\"d-flex justify-content-start\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"h2 text-black\">Oxidative stress explained<\/h2>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-editor text-left   \" data-aos=\"none\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row\">\n            <div class=\"col   text-left\">\n                \n                                    <div class=\"c-text\">\n                        <p>Intensive livestock farming exposes animals to <strong>various stress factors throughout their life cycle<\/strong> such as <strong><span style=\"color: #81ab34;\"><a style=\"color: #81ab34;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/impact-of-heat-stress-on-poultry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">heat stress<\/a><\/span><\/strong>, <span style=\"color: #81ab34;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #81ab34;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/tackle-negative-effects-of-endotoxins-during-sows-lactation-period\/\">weaning stress<\/a><\/strong><\/span>, <strong><span style=\"color: #81ab34;\"><a style=\"color: #81ab34;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/the-synergistic-effect-of-mycotoxins-and-endotoxins\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">toxins<\/a><\/span><\/strong>, pathogens and an unbalanced diet. The process that plays a central role in all these situations is oxidative stress, which results from an imbalance between antioxidant defenses and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in favor of ROS.<\/p>\n<p>ROS are highly reactive compounds derived from oxygen that can damage cellular macromolecules, but they also play important roles in biological processes, acting as mediators of cell metabolism, inducing apoptosis, activating genes, serving as signaling molecules, and functioning as an essential part of the innate immune system. ROS originate from both <strong>endogenous sources<\/strong> (primarily the respiratory chain in mitochondria and immune cells) and <strong>exogenous sources<\/strong> (radiation, air pollution, chemicals, toxins, and certain feed components). As aerobic organisms are continuously exposed to ROS, they have developed antioxidant defense systems that scavenge and suppress ROS generation and repair damaged biomolecules. However, when <strong>ROS production exceeds<\/strong> the capacity of these antioxidant defenses, animals experience oxidative stress, which <strong>damages cell membranes, proteins, and DNA, ultimately impairing cell function and leading to cell death and structural tissue damage<\/strong>.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-image-text pt-15 pt-md-20 pt-lg-30  \" data-aos=\"none\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row align-items-center\">\n                        <div class=\"col-md-6 order-md-last\">\n                <figure>\n                                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1440\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/understanding-managing-oxidative-stress-ROS-inflammation-01.svg\" class=\"img-fluid\" alt=\"Inflammation and oxidative stress, a close link?\" title=\"understanding-managing-oxidative-stress-ROS-inflammation-01\" \/>                    \n                                    <\/figure>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            \n                        <div class=\"col-md-6 order-md-first  \">\n                                    <h2 class=\"h2\">Inflammation and oxidative stress, a close link?<\/h2>\n                \n                                    <p>Reactive oxygen species initiate an intracellular signaling pathway inducing inflammation and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Depending on the concentration of ROS the inflammation is either regulated or exaggerated. On the other hand, ROS are part of the inflammation process to combat infectious pathogens and contribute to the normal immune defense of the animal. \u00a0Indeed, at the site of injury and inflammation, immune cells produce and liberate a high amount of ROS to destroy the pathogen, ultimately leading to oxidative stress. Thus, <strong>inflammation and oxidative stress<\/strong> are <strong>pathophysiological events<\/strong> that are <strong>tightly linked<\/strong> with one another. One of them may appear before or after the other, but when one of them appears the other one is most likely to follow and further aggravates the first. <strong>Both processes induce cell and tissue damage and take part in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases<\/strong>.<\/p>\n                \n                            <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\n<div class=\"block block-title text-center pt-15 pt-md-20 pt-lg-30  \" data-aos=\"none\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row\">\n            <div class=\"col\">\n                <div class=\"d-flex justify-content-center\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"h2 text-black\"><b><p style=\"font-size:48px; \"><b>How does oxidative stress impact the animal?<\/p><\/b><\/h2>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-editor text-left   \" data-aos=\"none\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row\">\n            <div class=\"col   text-left\">\n                                    <h2 class=\"nag__h4 h2\">Immunosuppression<\/h2>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"c-text\">\n                        <p>Oxidative stress contributes to immunosuppression by <strong>damaging immune cells and disrupting key immune functions<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Excessive ROS molecules can impair lymphocytes, macrophages, and other immune cells by damaging their membranes, proteins, and DNA, ultimately reducing their viability and effectiveness. Oxidative stress also interferes with immune signaling pathways, which are essential for coordinating immune responses and cytokine production.<\/p>\n<p>When oxidative damage occurs, the <strong>body initiates inflammation to defend and repair affected tissues<\/strong>. This is an <strong>energetically costly process that diverts resources away from growth and immune function<\/strong>. As a result, the animal&#8217;s ability to fight infections and respond to vaccines may be compromised. Additionally, when antioxidant defenses are overwhelmed, the immune system becomes even more vulnerable, increasing susceptibility to disease and negatively impacting overall health and productivity.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\n<div class=\"block block-title text-start pt-15 pt-md-20 pt-lg-30  \" data-aos=\"none\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row\">\n            <div class=\"col\">\n                <div class=\"d-flex justify-content-start\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"h2 text-black\">Reduced gut health and digestion<\/h2>\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-editor text-left   \" data-aos=\"none\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row\">\n            <div class=\"col   text-left\">\n                \n                                    <div class=\"c-text\">\n                        <p>Despite the protective barrier provided by the mucosa, the <strong>gastrointestinal tract<\/strong> remains prone to ROS attack as it harbors many potential sources of ROS. Reactive oxygen species can <strong>compromise the gut barrier<\/strong> by disrupting the tight junction proteins resulting in an <strong>increased intestinal permeability<\/strong> and facilitating the <strong>translocation of toxins<\/strong> (<span style=\"color: #81ab34;\"><a style=\"color: #81ab34;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/endotoxins-explained\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>endotoxins<\/strong><\/a><\/span>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/mycotoxins-a-force-to-be-reckoned-with\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><span style=\"color: #81ab34;\">mycotoxins<\/span><\/strong><\/a> \u2026) and <strong>pathogens<\/strong>.<br \/>\nIn addition, animals experiencing oxidative stress exhibit reduced villus height and crypt de<span class=\"notion-enable-hover\" data-token-index=\"5\">pth, reducing the effectiveness of digestion and nutrient absorption<\/span><!-- notionvc: 5820f416-9045-42bc-ae8c-ac33bc648493 -->.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-flex pt-15 pt-md-20 pt-lg-30  \" data-aos=\"none\" >\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        \n        <div class=\"row mt-10 mt-md-20 mt-lg-40\">\n                            \n                \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t            <div class=\"col-sm-12 col-lg-6 mb-50 mb-lg-40\">\t\t                        \n                    <div class=\" p-20 p-md-40 bg-primary bg-product text-white d-flex flex-column h-100 align-items-start\"  style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/grey-background.png')\">\n                        \n                        \n                        \n                                                    <span><h2><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Liver and kidney injury<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">The liver and kidney are organs that are <strong>highly vulnerable to damage caused by ROS<\/strong>. Like the gut, the liver and kidneys have tight junctions forming barriers that are compromised during oxidative stress. A variety of liver cells are highly susceptible to oxidative stress, leading to altered hepatic cellular function, inflammation and fibrosis.<\/span><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #000000;\">Oxidative stress not only triggers hepatic cell damage by inducing permanent changes to lipids, proteins and DNA but more importantly, modulates pathways such as gene transcription, protein expression, cell apoptosis and liver cell recovery. These pathways regulate important processes in the liver and control normal biological functions. As these mechanisms become disrupted, the <strong>liver\u2019s detoxification capacity<\/strong> may <strong>decline<\/strong>, <strong>reducing its resistance to harmful substances such as endotoxins and mycotoxins<\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">With regard to the <strong>kidneys<\/strong>, ROS<strong> invade the renal tissue and degrade key structures in the kidney<\/strong> involved in the excretion of a variety of waste products produced by cellular metabolism into the urine.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/span>\n                        \n                        \n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            \n                \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t            <div class=\"col-sm-12 col-lg-6 mb-50 mb-lg-40\">\t\t                        \n                    <div class=\" border p-20 p-md-40 border-product d-flex flex-column h-100 align-items-start\" >\n                        \n                        \n                        \n                                                    <span><h2>Impaired reproductive function<\/h2>\n<p>High ROS levels can <strong>damage all cell types in the body<\/strong>, including reproductive cells<strong> such as sperm and oocytes (eggs)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>In <strong>females<\/strong>, damaged oocytes may not mature properly, have reduced fertilization potential, or develop into poor-quality embryos.<\/li>\n<li>In <strong>males<\/strong>, oxidative stress reduces sperm motility and alters morphology, affecting overall sperm quality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Additionally, oxidative <strong>damage to sperm DNA<\/strong> can compromise fertilization and early embryonic development, <strong>increasing the risk of embryo loss<\/strong>. Oxidative stress also disrupts the synthesis, secretion and action of reproductive hormones in both sexes, interfering with essential processes such as follicle development, ovulation and sperm production.<\/p>\n<p>Furthermore, the cells that make up the tissue of reproductive organs can be <strong>damaged<\/strong> by oxidative stress, negatively affecting their function. <strong>For example<\/strong>, excessive ROS can <strong>compromise uterine health and placental development<\/strong>, leading to insufficient supply of nutrients and oxygen to the embryo, and raising the risk of complications and fetal loss.<\/p>\n<\/span>\n                        \n                        \n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-image-text  pb-15 pb-md-20 pb-lg-30 \" data-aos=\"none\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row align-items-center\">\n                        <div class=\"col-md-6 order-md-last\">\n                <figure>\n                                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidative-stress-livestock-IMG-GEN-INS-meat-quality-issues-production-animals-800x600px.png\" class=\"img-fluid\" alt=\"\" title=\"oxidative-stress-livestock-IMG-GEN-INS-meat-quality-issues-production-animals-800x600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidative-stress-livestock-IMG-GEN-INS-meat-quality-issues-production-animals-800x600px.png 801w, https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidative-stress-livestock-IMG-GEN-INS-meat-quality-issues-production-animals-800x600px-800x600.png 800w, https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidative-stress-livestock-IMG-GEN-INS-meat-quality-issues-production-animals-800x600px-1600x1200.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidative-stress-livestock-IMG-GEN-INS-meat-quality-issues-production-animals-800x600px-400x300.png 400w, https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidative-stress-livestock-IMG-GEN-INS-meat-quality-issues-production-animals-800x600px-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidative-stress-livestock-IMG-GEN-INS-meat-quality-issues-production-animals-800x600px-290x218.png 290w, https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidative-stress-livestock-IMG-GEN-INS-meat-quality-issues-production-animals-800x600px-600x450.png 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/>                    \n                                    <\/figure>\n            <\/div>\n            \n            \n                        <div class=\"col-md-6 order-md-first  \">\n                                    <h2 class=\"h2\">Meat quality issues<\/h2>\n                \n                                    <p>Another consequence of excessive ROS production is a decline in meat quality. Oxidative stress damages proteins and lipids in muscle tissue, compromising the structural integrity of the meat and reducing its ability to retain moisture. As a result, <strong>drip loss<\/strong> during processing and cooking increases, leading to drier meat and reduced consumer satisfaction. Lipid peroxidation further accelerates spoilage, significantly <strong>shortening the shelf life<\/strong> of meat products. In addition, animals under oxidative stress have lower antioxidant levels and higher ROS concentrations in their muscle tissue. These ROS remain active after slaughter and speed up the oxidation of myoglobin and other pigments, causing the <strong>meat to discolor more rapidly<\/strong> and not look fresh or appealing. Additionally, oxidative processes <strong>damage collagen<\/strong>, a key component of connective tissue, negatively impacting tenderness and overall meat quality. In poultry, oxidative stress is closely linked to muscle disorders such as <strong>wooden breast, spaghetti meat, and white striping<\/strong>, all conditions that further compromise texture, appearance, and market value.<\/p>\n                \n                            <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"block block-flex pt-15 pt-md-20 pt-lg-30 pb-15 pb-md-20 pb-lg-30 \" data-aos=\"none\" style=\"background-image: url(https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidative-stress-livestock-IMG-GEN-INS-reduced-growth-and-productivity-1704x771px.png); background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: cover;\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n                    <h2 class=\"nag__h4 text-center no-line h2\">Reduced growth and productivity<\/h2>\n        \n        <div class=\"row mt-10 mt-md-20 mt-lg-40\">\n                            \n                \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t            <div class=\"col-sm-12 col-lg-6 mb-50 mb-lg-40\">\t\t                        \n                    <div class=\"  d-flex flex-column h-100 align-items-start\" >\n                        \n                        \n                        \n                        \n                        \n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            \n                \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t            <div class=\"col-sm-12 col-lg-6 mb-50 mb-lg-40\">\t\t                        \n                    <div class=\" border p-20 p-md-40 border-product d-flex flex-column h-100 align-items-start\"  style=\"background-image: url('https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/IMG_White-transparent-80_800x600px-1.png')\">\n                        \n                        \n                        \n                                                    <span><p>In addition to the meat quality issues described above, oxidative stress significantly<strong> impacts animal performance across different species<\/strong>. The induced inflammation, together with the repair of damaged tissues requires energy and redirects nutrients away from growth and production processes, resulting in <strong>economic losses for farmers<\/strong>.<br \/>\nMoreover, pro-inflammatory cytokines <strong>suppress appetite resulting in a reduced nutrient uptake for production purposes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>In <span style=\"color: #81ab34;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #81ab34;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/understanding-oxidative-damage-in-poultry\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>poultry<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/span>, oxidative stress negatively affects egg production and compromises eggshell quality.<\/li>\n<li>Similarly, <strong>dairy cows<\/strong> experiencing oxidative stress show decreased milk production and reduced milk quality.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/span>\n                        \n                        \n                                            <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"block block-editor text-left pt-15 pt-md-20 pt-lg-30 pb-15 pb-md-20 pb-lg-30 \" data-aos=\"none\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row\">\n            <div class=\"col  p-20 p-md-40 bg-primary bg-product text-white text-left\">\n                                    <h2 class=\"nag__h4 h2\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Managing oxidative stress with phytogenics<\/span><\/h2>\n                \n                                    <div class=\"c-text\">\n                        <p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Phytogenic products, which are <strong>derived from plants<\/strong>, have already proven their effectiveness in medicinal applications. Recently, several <strong>studies<\/strong> have revealed their <strong>effectiveness in counteracting oxidative stress in production animals<\/strong> as well, and ascribe it to their <strong>antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties<\/strong>. These <strong>natural compounds<\/strong> contain various bioactive substances like polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential oils that can neutralize free radicals and suppress inflammatory pathways.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">Their <strong>antibacterial properties<\/strong> help maintain a <strong><a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/never-underestimate-the-importance-of-a-healthy-gut\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>healthy gut microbiome<\/strong><\/a><\/strong> by inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria while promoting beneficial bacteria. Furthermore, incorporating phytogenic products into animal feed has been shown to <strong>enhance digestion<\/strong> by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and strengthening intestinal tissue morphology, thereby optimizing nutrient absorption and utilization.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #000000;\">These properties make <a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/feed-products\/phytostar-extra-phytogenic-protection-against-oxidative-stress\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><strong>phytogenic product<\/strong>s<\/strong><\/a> particularly valuable during challenging periods where animals are more susceptible to oxidative stress, such as during heat stress, pathogen exposure, weaning or feed transitions. Thanks to this comprehensive range of benefits, phytogenic products are found to improve growth and animal health, and are considered a strategic component in <a style=\"color: #000000;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/reduce-antibiotic-usage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong><strong>antibiotic-free production<\/strong><\/strong><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 13px;\"><span style=\"color: #000000;\"><em>References are available upon request.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Intensive livestock production systems expose animals to a variety of environmental and physiological stressors, including elevated ambient temperatures, exposure to dietary or environmental toxins, and increased pathogen load. These stress factors collectively contribute to the onset of oxidative stress, a condition characterized by an imbalance between the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the capacity of the organism\u2019s antioxidant defense mechanisms to neutralize them.<\/p>\n<p>Livestock relies on oxygen for respiration, a vital process for energy generation. However, this process also produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids, leading to cellular dysfunction. Oxidative stress arises when there\u2019s an imbalance between ROS production and the organism\u2019s antioxidant defenses. Poor nutrition and diseases can also trigger this imbalance.<\/p>\n<p>Livestock experiencing oxidative stress show decreased growth rates, lower feed conversion efficiency, reduced reproductive performance, chronic diseases and subsequently, financial losses.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":37906,"template":"","category_product":[2870],"insight_categories":[],"solutions":[2897,2896,3006,3007],"spiecies":[2854,2855,2856],"class_list":["post-31966","insights","type-insights","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category_product-phytogenic-products-en-eu","solutions-antibiotic-reduction-en-eu","solutions-gut-health-en-eu","solutions-meat-production-quality-en-eu","solutions-oxidative-stress-reduction-en-eu","spiecies-poultry","spiecies-ruminants","spiecies-swine"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How oxidative stress affects livestock health and performance | Nutrex Insights<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Oxidative stress contributes to immunosuppression, poor gut health and digestion, liver and kidney damage, impaired reproduction and meat quality issues.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/insights\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"How oxidative stress affects livestock health and performance | Nutrex Insights\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Oxidative stress contributes to immunosuppression, poor gut health and digestion, liver and kidney damage, impaired reproduction and meat quality issues.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Nutrex\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-10-20T07:48:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidative-stress-BG-GEN-INS-reactive-oxygen-species-1920x1440px-1600x1200.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1600\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"1 minute\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/en-eu\\\/insights\\\/oxidative-stress-in-livestock\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/insights\\\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\\\/\",\"name\":\"How oxidative stress affects livestock health and performance | Nutrex Insights\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/en-eu\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/insights\\\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/insights\\\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/oxidative-stress-BG-GEN-INS-reactive-oxygen-species-1920x1440px.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-11-23T09:17:33+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-10-20T07:48:47+00:00\",\"description\":\"Oxidative stress contributes to immunosuppression, poor gut health and digestion, liver and kidney damage, impaired reproduction and meat quality issues.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-UK\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/insights\\\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-UK\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/insights\\\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/oxidative-stress-BG-GEN-INS-reactive-oxygen-species-1920x1440px.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/oxidative-stress-BG-GEN-INS-reactive-oxygen-species-1920x1440px.png\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1440},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/en-eu\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/en-eu\\\/\",\"name\":\"Nutrex\",\"description\":\"Your valued partner in feed additives\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/en-eu\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/en-eu\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-UK\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/en-eu\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Nutrex\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/en-eu\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-UK\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/en-eu\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/05\\\/nutrex-logo-e1589450687465-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/05\\\/nutrex-logo-e1589450687465-1.png\",\"width\":500,\"height\":226,\"caption\":\"Nutrex\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.nutrex.eu\\\/en-eu\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"How oxidative stress affects livestock health and performance | Nutrex Insights","description":"Oxidative stress contributes to immunosuppression, poor gut health and digestion, liver and kidney damage, impaired reproduction and meat quality issues.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/insights\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"How oxidative stress affects livestock health and performance | Nutrex Insights","og_description":"Oxidative stress contributes to immunosuppression, poor gut health and digestion, liver and kidney damage, impaired reproduction and meat quality issues.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\/","og_site_name":"Nutrex","article_modified_time":"2025-10-20T07:48:47+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1600,"height":1200,"url":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidative-stress-BG-GEN-INS-reactive-oxygen-species-1920x1440px-1600x1200.png","type":"image\/png"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Est. reading time":"1 minute"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/insights\/oxidative-stress-in-livestock\/","url":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\/","name":"How oxidative stress affects livestock health and performance | Nutrex Insights","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidative-stress-BG-GEN-INS-reactive-oxygen-species-1920x1440px.png","datePublished":"2020-11-23T09:17:33+00:00","dateModified":"2025-10-20T07:48:47+00:00","description":"Oxidative stress contributes to immunosuppression, poor gut health and digestion, liver and kidney damage, impaired reproduction and meat quality issues.","inLanguage":"en-UK","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-UK","@id":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/insights\/impact-of-oxidative-stress\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidative-stress-BG-GEN-INS-reactive-oxygen-species-1920x1440px.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/oxidative-stress-BG-GEN-INS-reactive-oxygen-species-1920x1440px.png","width":1920,"height":1440},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/","name":"Nutrex","description":"Your valued partner in feed additives","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-UK"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/#organization","name":"Nutrex","url":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-UK","@id":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/nutrex-logo-e1589450687465-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/nutrex-logo-e1589450687465-1.png","width":500,"height":226,"caption":"Nutrex"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insights\/31966","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insights"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/insights"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insights\/31966\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37906"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31966"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category_product","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_product?post=31966"},{"taxonomy":"insight_categories","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/insight_categories?post=31966"},{"taxonomy":"solutions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/solutions?post=31966"},{"taxonomy":"spiecies","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nutrex.eu\/en-eu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/spiecies?post=31966"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}