Farm animal welfare, productivity and meat quality: Interrelation with redox status regulation and antioxidant supplementation as a nutritional intervention (Review)

Abstract

Contemporary concerns over farm animal welfare have transpired as a result of the desire of farmers to gain the benefits of the increased productivity of their farming animals. Inspired by the constant flow of scientific knowledge, technology and new production methods, the progressive exploitation of the animal biological capacity to produce economic output, has raised increasing concerns as to the extent to which the animals are being stressed. In fact, individuals worldwide depend heavily on animals for the production of meat, fat, milk and other essential products. However, in recent years, the demand for livestock products has increased tremendously and world livestock production is facing major challenges, which endanger the health of the animals. Furthermore, the utilization of proper antioxidant supplementation as an important and cost-effective treatment for beneficial effects on farm animals is also a major pillar for the manipulation of current needs in modern animal husbandry. In this comprehensive review, we aimed to summarize the knowledge regarding the interrelation of farm animal welfare, productivity and meat quality with redox status regulation and antioxidant supplementation as a promising nutritional intervention. We propose that evaluating various biomarkers may help researchers to adopt the optimal growth conditions of farm animals, a fact that is expected to protect them from redox-related pathologies, in order to enhance their productivity and to strengthen the quality of their products.