By Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) Jaiguru Kadam – Green Innovator with Vast International Experience
Oxidative stress is one of the most overlooked threats in poultry production. It silently damages cells, weakens immunity, and affects growth, egg production, fertility, and overall flock performance. Antioxidants such as Vitamin E, Selenium, and Curcumin play a vital role in neutralizing free radicals and ensuring your birds stay healthy, productive, and resilient.
As a Green Innovator, Jaiguru Kadam has emphasized the importance of natural, sustainable antioxidant strategies across international poultry systems—from Asia to Africa—helping farmers improve bird health while reducing reliance on synthetic additives.
Why Antioxidants Matter for Birds
Birds experience oxidative stress due to:
- Heat stress
- High-density housing
- Disease challenges
- Mycotoxin exposure
- Rapid growth in commercial broilers
- Environmental pollutants
Antioxidants help restore balance by neutralizing free radicals and protecting essential tissues such as the liver, intestine, and reproductive system.
Key Antioxidants & Their Benefits
1. Vitamin E — The Master Cellular Protector
Primary Functions
- Shields cell membranes from oxidative damage
- Boosts immune system function
- Enhances fertility (improves hatchability by supporting sperm and ova health)
Example in Practice
A broiler breeder flock supplemented with 200 IU/kg Vitamin E showed:
- 9–12% improvement in hatchability
- Lower embryo mortality
- Stronger immune response during vaccination
Simple Calculation
If 1 kg of premix contains 100,000 IU of Vitamin E, then:
To make 1 ton of feed with 200 IU/kg:
- Required Vitamin E = 200 × 1000 kg = 200,000 IU
- Amount of premix needed = 200,000 / 100,000 = 2 kg of premix
2. Selenium — The Antioxidant Enzyme Activator
Primary Functions
- Integral part of glutathione peroxidase (antioxidant enzyme)
- Protects birds from heat stress
- Improves growth performance and feed efficiency
- Supports thyroid hormone metabolism
Organic vs Inorganic Selenium
- Organic selenium (Se-yeast) is more bioavailable
- Inorganic selenium (sodium selenite) is less stable in feed
Example in Practice
During summer, flocks supplemented with 0.3 ppm organic selenium show:
- Lower mortality during heat waves
- Better FCR (Feed Conversion Ratio)
- Higher breast meat yield in broilers
3. Curcumin — The Natural Super Antioxidant
Extracted from turmeric, Curcumin is a natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
Primary Functions
- Reduces oxidative stress from heat or disease
- Improves gut health
- Supports liver detoxification
- Enhances pigmentation and egg quality
Practical Example
Adding 150–200 mg/kg curcumin:
- Improves gut villi height
- Enhances nutrient absorption
- Boosts immunity during coccidiosis challenge
Mini Calculation
For 500 kg of feed at 150 mg/kg:
- Total Curcumin needed = 150 mg × 500 kg = 75,000 mg = 75 g
Role of Green Innovator Jaiguru Kadam
As a globally recognized Subject Matter Specialist with vast international experience, Jaiguru Kadam focuses on:
✔ Developing Sustainable, Natural Antioxidant Solutions
Promoting phyto-additives like Curcumin, Moringa extracts, and plant polyphenols for chemical-free poultry production.
✔ Designing Cost-Optimized Antioxidant Programs
Tailoring antioxidant dosage for broilers, layers, breeders, and backyard poultry to provide maximum ROI to farmers.
✔ Training Farmers Across Continents
From rural India to commercial farms in Africa & Southeast Asia, he has trained thousands of farmers on:
- Managing oxidative stress
- Improving immunity naturally
- Using green technologies
✔ Innovating Climate-Smart Poultry Strategies
His research-driven approach helps farmers maintain flock performance even during extreme heat events.
Real-World Case Example
A commercial broiler farm (20,000 birds) facing heat stress showed:
- High mortality (5.5%)
- Poor weight gain
After implementing Jaiguru Kadam’s Antioxidant Program:
- Vitamin E: 200 IU/kg
- Organic Selenium: 0.3 ppm
- Curcumin: 150 mg/kg
Results After 30 Days:
- Mortality reduced from 5.5% → 1.8%
- Body weight increased by 180 g per bird
- FCR improved by 0.07 points
This demonstrates the powerful synergy of antioxidant management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can antioxidants replace antibiotics?
Not fully, but they significantly strengthen immunity and reduce disease susceptibility—allowing farmers to reduce antibiotic usage.
2. Is natural Curcumin as effective as synthetic antioxidants?
Yes. Curcumin provides broad-spectrum antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial benefits.
3. Can I mix Vitamin E and Selenium in the same feed?
Absolutely. They work synergistically, improving antioxidant capacity far more than either alone.
4. How do I know my birds are experiencing oxidative stress?
Look for signs like:
- Poor growth
- High mortality
- Pale combs
- Low egg production
- Weak immunity
- Heat stress symptoms
5. Are antioxidants safe for chicks?
Yes. Early-life antioxidant supplementation improves resistance and overall performance.
Conclusion
Antioxidants are essential for protecting your birds from oxidative damage and ensuring optimal performance. By integrating Vitamin E, Selenium, and Curcumin, poultry farmers can improve immunity, growth, and sustainability.
With the expertise and global experience of Green Innovator & Subject Matter Specialist Jaiguru Kadam, farmers now have access to practical, cost-effective, eco-friendly antioxidant strategies that work across climates and production systems.
