The effect of improper feeding on the lipid peroxidation of meat animals

Pigs of 50 kg bodyweight were fed without premix for two months before slaughtering. Their loin samples showed a lower degree of lipid peroxidation (indicated by a higher antioxidative capacity) than other pig groups which had consumed various premix levels. Malonaldehyde concentration increased in the blood sera and livers of 7-week-old chickens treated with a high dose of an ionophoric coccidiostatic agent, Salinomycin. Premix deprivation resulted only in a trend to decrease lipid peroxidation. The possible effects of lipid peroxidation and its degradation products on the physico-chemical characteristics of meat and human health is discussed. The results urge that improper feeding practices should be avoided and optimal premix applications should be found which correspond to the actual requirements.