Effect of yerba mate ( Ilex paraguariensis   A. St.-Hil.) supplementation on oxidative stress in ruminants

Nutrition, especially antioxidant-rich herbal supplementation, is one of the most important factors in the reaction to oxidative stress. Moreover, it influences animal productivity and reproduction. When oxidant production exceeds the capacity of antioxidant defense, this results in oxidative damage to lipids, DNA, and proteins. Oxidative stress, which is described as an imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant levels, is a current field of research in ruminant medicine, and it has been involved in numerous disease processes, including sepsis, mastitis, acidosis, and ketosis. Interest in plant extracts has therefore increased due to the high amount of natural biologically active substances that are potential natural fodder additives. This paper focused on yerba mate tea, an infusion made from the leaves of the Ilex paraguariensis A. St.-Hil. tree, which is a widely consumed traditional beverage in South America. There is growing interest for the properties of yerba mate. Supplementation of I. paraguariensis for large and small ruminants resulted in lower oxidative stress and also improved their productive and reproductive performance.

Keywords
Antioxidants; biomarkers of oxidative stress; dairy cows; fodder additives; Ilex paraguariensis.