Harmful natural constituents of feeds and fodders

HARMFUL NATURAL CONSTITUENTS OF FEEDS AND FODDERS

  • Harmful natural constituents are also called as anti nutritional factors.
  • Anti-nutritive substance is defined as “those generated in natural feedstuffs by the normal metabolism of the species and exerts effects contrary to optimum nutrition”.

Type of Anti-nutritive substances

  • On the basis of the type of nutrient affected and the biological response produced in the animal, the toxic factors can be classified into six major groups as follows:
    • Substances depressing digestion or metabolic utilization of protein:
      • Protease inhibitors
      • Lectins or Ricin (hemagglutinins)
      • Saponins
      • Polyphenolic compounds (Tannins)
    • Substances reducing the solubility or interfering with the utilization of mineral elements:
      • Phytic acid
      • Oxalic acid
      • Glucosinolates
      • Gossypol
    • Substances inactivating or increasing the requirements of certain vitamins and certain mineral:
      • Antivitamins A, D, E, K and anti-pyridoxine
      • Antiminerals such as Phytic acid, Oxalic acid etc.,
    • Mimosine (Anti hormone)
    • Nitrates and nitrites
    • Moulds and mycotoxins in animal feedstuffs
Last modified: Monday, 29 August 2011, 10:05 AM