Due to exposure of animals to numerous stress-inducing factors and a high level of cellular metabolism resulting from the conditions and manner in which they are raised, destabilisation of the redox balance towards excessive activity of free radical species is a common phenomenon. Enhancing the antioxidant status of the animal organism by optimising the level and quality of feeding, and especially by supplementation with exogenous antioxidants, may be one essential and highly effective means of improving the health and thus the productivity of animals. Natural plant supplements in diets for poultry can be used to enhance antioxidant defence mechanisms and reduce the intensity of oxidation processes, which negatively affect the quality of poultry products, i.e. meat and eggs. Analysis of the available studies shows that antioxidant processes in the organism of birds can be stimulated via administration of extracted active compounds, among which the highest antioxidant activity is found in resveratrol, hesperidin, genistein, thymol and carvacrol, and herbs, for example from garlic, aloe vera, oregano and rosemary.

There are indications that organically grown plants are safer for health and have higher antioxidant content than conventional ones. Vegetables of the genus Allium L. are a valuable source of health-promoting substances, including compounds with antioxidant properties. The aim of the study was to compare the antioxidant potential and nutritional value of four species of Allium L. vegetables obtained from organic and conventional production: garlic, leek and red and yellow onion. Their proximate and mineral composition were determined, as well as the content of bioactive substances and antioxidant potential. The study showed that the cultivation method significantly influenced the parameters tested. Comparison of organic vegetables with conventional ones in terms of content of dry matter, crude protein and crude fibre revealed no general trend indicating the superiority of one method over the other. However, all organic vegetables analysed were more abundant in minerals (Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn) and bioactive compounds. They also exhibited higher antioxidant capacity as measured by the FRAP and DPPH^. tests. Their consumption (especially organic garlic and leek) may therefore strengthen the body's natural antioxidant defences and is beneficial for health.

The aim of the study was to analyse how per os application of hydrocolloids of silver nanoparticles (22 nm) and lipid-coated nanosilver hydrocolloids (5 nm) affect the microbiological status and morphology of the jejunum of broiler chickens and their growth performance. The experiment was conducted on 60 chickens. The first group was the control. The chickens in group II received a silver nanoparticle hydrocolloid (Ag-nano) at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w./day. The chickens in group III received a lipid-coated nanosilver hydrocolloid (AgL-nano) at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w./day. Samples of digesta were taken from the jejunum during dissection and the total numbers of fungi, aerobic bacteria and bacteria of the coli group were determined in the samples. Samples of the jejunum were also collected during dissection to determine the length of the villi and depth of the crypts. The silver nanoparticles had no effect on growth performance or the histological picture of the jejunum. An increase was noted in the total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria and a decrease in the number of coli group bacteria, which are facultative anaerobes, which indicates that the nanosilver had a selective effect on the microflora of the digestive tract in the chickens.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) and/or rapeseed meal (FRSM) on the redox status of blood and tissues in piglets. The experiment was conducted on 150 28-day-old weaned piglets divided into five groups. Piglets in the control group received standard diets with soybean meal. Animals in the experimental groups received diets in which a portion of the soybean meal was replaced with FRSM and/or FSBM: group FR—8% FRSM; group FR/FS—6% FRSM and 2% FSBM; group FS/FR—2% FRSM and 6% FSBM; and group FS—8% FSBM. Group FR/FS showed an increase in total antioxidant potential of plasma (FRAP) and low-molecular-weight antioxidants, i.e., vitamin C, urea, uric acid, and albumin, as well as an increase in catalase activity. Blood levels of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) were decreased. A reduction in lipid peroxidation due to the use of FR/FS was also indicated by a decrease in liver MDA and jejunum wall LOOH levels. Increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity and vitamin C levels in these tissues were also noted. The results of the study indicate that the inclusion of fermented rapeseed meal in the diet (6%) in combination with soybean meal (2%), improved the redox status of the weaners.