Polyphenols bioavailability in piglets fed with grape pomace diet

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of a diet containing 5% grape pomace (GP) on polyphenols absorption and their antioxidant antiradicalic activity (DPPH test) on weaning piglets. 20 crossbred TOPIG starter piglets were assigned to one of the 2 treatments: control (10 piglets- normal diet for weaned pig-C) and diet with GP (10 piglets -diet -D) for 36 days. After 15 days and at the end of the experimental period, blood samples were collected from the two groups. All piglets were slaughtered and the organs, liver, spleen, duodenum, colon, kidney, Longissimus dorsi muscle, mesenteric lymph nodes, heart and brain were collected. The total polyphenols (TP) content and the antioxidant activity of the feed diet and diet components as well as of the blood and organs were determined by using Folin Ciocalteu and DPPH test respectively. GP increased the TP content in feed as well as its antioxidant activity. Expressed as % of control, TP were found to be higher in plasma, duodenum, colon, kidneys and heart than in the control. The highest antioxidant activity was found in liver, kidneys and heart.