EVALUATION OF ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF "PRAVAD" POLYVALENT FUNCTIONAL FEED ADDITIVE

Abstract

In the modern market of feed and feed additives, a new trend has emerged - functional feeding complexes that heal fish, correct its metabolism, and increase productivity and quality of fish products. Such feed additives include "PRAVAD" polyvalent functional feed additive. The aim of the research was to study the effect of the new feed additive "PRAVAD" on parameters of fish antioxidant system. In order to accomplish this, two groups of sexually mature African catfish were formed. The first experimental group received PRAVAD feed supplement containing probiotics, adaptogens, essential amino acids and vitamins. It was used in addition to the main diet - "Som" feeds of LimKorm company. The control group, which was the second, received only LimKorm “Som” feed. Three months later, the content of glutathione (GSH) and the activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were examined. As for fish reared with application of "PRAVAD" polyvalent functional feed additive, the GSH level of males was two times higher than that of the fish of the control group. GST activity in the group of males and females fed with the feed additive was more than 30% higher than in fish of the control group. The obtained results indicate that application of "PRAVAD" polyvalent functional feed additive in the diet of African catfish is highly effective and leads to a decrease of the damaging effect of oxidative stress. This mechanism is realized by increase of glutathione level and glutathione-S-transferase activity, both of which increase resistance to free radical and peroxide processes.