Effects of supplementing synthetic antioxidants and/or herbal extract mixture to extruded cat diets on time- dependent lipid oxidation and nutrient content

Objective: This study aims to reveal the effects of adding synthetic antioxidant mixtures (BHA, BHT) and/or herbal extract mixtures (rosemary, turmeric, clove) to commercially produced extruded cat diets on lipid oxidation and nutrient degradation. Material and Methods: The research was carried out in a private company that produces dog and cat extruded diets, and a total of 12 tons of feed was produced by extrusion at 100 C, with three batches of one ton for each trial group. In the study, the group without antioxidant supplementation was defined as the first trial group. 1000 grams of the commercial synthetic antioxidant mixture used in the trial contained 200,000 mg BHT, 50,000 mg BHA, 80,000 mg citric acid as a preservative, 20,000 mg orthophosphoric acid, 19,000 mg silicic acid and 42.10% calcium carbonate as a binder and carrier, and the level recommended by the company was to eat tons. Participated as one kg (Group 2). The other factor of the study, the commercial herbal extract mixture, contained equal levels of rosemary, turmeric and clove extracts, and 500 g per ton was added to the diet as the recommended level (Group 3). The fourth trial group was created by adding both commercial antioxidant products together at the levels mentioned above. In the research, changes in raw nutrient compositions, free fatty acids and peroxide levels were determined in the diets produced over time (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks). Results: As a result of the research, it was revealed that both synthetic and natural antioxidant supplements had a suppressive effect on the peroxide level that formed over time in the diet, and that they had a significant effect when used together. There was no change in the nutrient composition of the diet due to oxidation and antioxidant supplementation. Conclusion: In this study, it was concluded that the addition of natural antioxidants could be a good alternative to synthetic antioxidants, and when used together, the desired effects they produce were more apparent. Keywords: Cat, Diet, Extruded, Natural antioxidant, Synthetic antioxidant.