Oregano essential oil and vitamin C are known for their effective antioxidant potential. However, their mutual effects have not been fully elucidated under significant challenges, e.g. heat stress, until now. We aimed to describe their combined potential through a pilot laboratory test followed by an experiment on rabbits exposed to naturally occurring heat stress. Laboratory analysis suggested the presence of mutual enhancement in free radical scavenging ability. The experiment on rabbits showed the same effect in terms of feed intake and the body antioxidant status. Indicators of lipid metabolism, fiber digestion, immune system, and the whole profile of metabolic compounds in plasma showed a prepared body status that is ready to overcome the chronic effects of heat stress. Combining half the recommended doses of both substances (0.0125% vitamin C and 0.01% oregano essential oil of drinking water) is the primary recommendation of this work, as it has been proven to be more effective than using a full dose of each substance individually (0.025% vitamin C or 0.02% oregano essential oil of drinking water).

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.