Nutritional Strategies to Alleviate the Impact of Stress on Animals

July 20, 2023

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Nutritional Strategies to Alleviate the Impact of Stress on Animals

N.Muwel, S.Nayak, A.Khare, R.Sharma, A.Kesri, P.Chaudhary and P.K.Choubey

Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science and A.H. Jabalpur

Animals can experience stress for a variety of reasons, including changes in their environment, social interactions, health issues, and handling practices. Understanding the causes of stress is important in developing strategies to mitigate its impact on nutrition.

Causes of stress: Animals can experience various types of stress, which can have negative effects on their health and well-being. Here are some common types of stress that occur in animals:

Environmental stress: Changes in the animal’s environment can be a major source of stress. For example, changes in temperature, humidity, or lighting can cause animals to become stressed. Similarly, noise, vibrations, and other environmental factors can also lead to stress.
Social stress: Social interactions with other animals can be a major source of stress for some animals. For example, animals that are housed in groups may experience social stress if they are not able to establish a hierarchy or if they are bullied by other animals.
Nutritional stress: Poor nutrition can also lead to stress in animals. For example, a diet that is deficient in certain nutrients can lead to health problems and increase the animal’s susceptibility to disease.
Physical stress: Physical stress can occur as a result of handling, transportation, or other factors. For example, animals that are transported long distances may become stressed due to the discomfort and lack of food and water.
Psychological stress: Psychological stress can occur as a result of fear, anxiety, or other emotional factors. For example, animals that are subjected to loud noises or other stimuli that they find frightening may become stressed.

Effects of stress on nutrition: Stress can affect an animal’s appetite, digestive function and nutrient absorption. For example, stress can reduce the secretion of digestive enzymes, leading to poor nutrient absorption and utilization. It can also decrease feed intake, resulting in reduced energy and protein intake.

Strategies to mitigate stress: There are several strategies that can help mitigate the impact of stress on animal, including providing a calm and consistent environment, using positive handling techniques, ensuring adequate socialization, and providing access to clean water and feed.

Role of nutrition in stress management:

Proper nutrition can also play a key role in managing stress by the body’s ability to cope with stress and promote overall well-being. For example, feeding animals a diet that is high in fiber can help promote gut health and reduce the negative effects of stress on digestion. Providing animals with high-quality protein and essential amino acids can also help support immune function and reduce the risk of illness during times of stress.

Energy Balance: Proper nutrition ensures animals receive sufficient energy to meet their physiological needs. When animals are under stress, their energy requirements may increase. Providing them with an adequate and balanced diet helps maintain their energy levels and supports their ability to adapt to stressors.
Providing essential nutrients: During times of stress, animals require higher levels of certain micronutrients, such as vitamins (B-complex, C, and E) and minerals (magnesium, zinc) are involved in various biochemical reactions that support the body’s response to stress. These nutrients help support immune function and reduce the negative effects of stress on the body. Including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts in the diet can help ensure sufficient micronutrient intake.
Supporting gut health: The gut-brain axis plays a crucial role in stress management. A healthy gut microbiota, supported by proper nutrition, can positively influence an animal’s mood and stress response. Providing animals with a diet that is high in fiber, Probiotics and prebiotics, which promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria and reduce the negative effects of stress on digestion and support stress resilience.
Reducing inflammation: Chronic stress can lead to chronic inflammation, which can have negative effects on health and performance. Feeding animals a diet that is high in anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants, can help reduce inflammation and mitigate the impact of stress. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found in fish oil, flaxseeds and have been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and may help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being in animals.
Promoting recovery: Stress can take a toll on the body, leading to muscle breakdown and other negative effects. Feeding animals a diet that is high in protein and essential amino acids can help support muscle recovery and reduce the risk of illness during times of stress.
Reducing oxidative stress: Stress can lead to an increase production of free radicals, can cause oxidative stress, which damage the cells and lead to illness. Feeding animals a diet that is high in antioxidants, such as vitamin E, selenium and Zn, can help to neutralize these harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress , support overall health and performance.
Adaptogens: Some nutrients, known as adaptogens, help animals adapt to and cope with stress. Adaptogens can regulate the body’s stress response, promote relaxation, and enhance resilience. Examples of adaptogens include ashwagandha, ginseng, and rhodiola.

Antioxidants:

It is important to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to determine the specific nutritional needs of each animal species and individual circumstances, as they can provide tailored advice on appropriate diets and supplements for stress management.