Effects of polyphenol-rich chokeberry pomace feeding on antioxidant enzymes activity and oxidation-related parameters in lamb muscle tissues

BACKGROUND: Aerobic organisms are equipped with enzymatic defence against oxidative stress. However, protection might be also provided by nonenzymatic antioxidant compounds. Ruminants can make polyphenols bioavailable because of the unique properties of their digestive system. OBJECTIVE: It was assumed that chokeberry pomace may be considered as additive rich in plant antioxidants, able to be deposited in small ruminants muscle tissue. METHODS: The study was conducted, using native breeds of lamb - Polish Merino and Wrzosowka. The experimental animals received chokeberry pomace as an addition in amount 150 or 300 grams per each kg of basic feed. Muscles obtained from lambs were assayed for antioxidative properties of enzymatic systems (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase) and nonenzymatic compounds or their equivalents (total nonenzymatic antioxidant capacity, potential to scavenge the free DPPH radical, total polyphenols content) contained in tissues. RESULTS: Obtained results provide novel information about bioactivity, bioretention and potential applications of dietary polyphenols in livestock feeding. One of the important findings concerns activity of glutathione peroxidase in the saddle of Polish Merino's animals (control group had activity of 376 nmol/min/mL, the group which received 150 g of chokeberry pomace had 468 nmol/min/mL, and 300 g of supplementation resulted in activity of 738 nmol/min/mL). The decreased peroxidation process related with malondialdehyde levels in saddle and leg (respectively) of the Polish Merino (control group - 7.50 mu M, 7.75 mu M, group with 150 g of chokeberry pomace 5.25 mu M, 6.70 mu M, and with 300 g of pomace-3.63 mu M, 3.83 mu M) and Wrzosowka animals (control group - 5.5 mu M, 11.5 mu M, group with 150 g of chokeberry pomace addition 4.25 mu M, 10.4 mu M, and with 300 g of pomace - 3.48 mu M, 5.80 mu M) is crucial in the context of animal health and meat quality. CONCLUSION: Since examined parameters related to oxidative status (malondialdehyde level, chemicals and physicochemical parameters) respond to chokeberry pomace addition, the later may bring many benefits connected with antioxidative cellular protection.