Oxidized β-Carotene Is a Novel Phytochemical Immune Modulator That Supports Animal Health and Performance for Antibiotic-Free Production

SIMPLE SUMMARY: Oxidized β-carotene (OxBC), a phytochemical that occurs naturally in plants, including fruits and vegetables, is formed by the spontaneous reaction of β-carotene with ambient oxygen. Synthetic OxBC, obtained by the full oxidation of β-carotene with air, shows considerable promise as a parts-per-million in-feed antimicrobial alternative additive that enhances health and performance in poultry, swine, and ruminant species. OxBC is predominantly composed of β-carotene–oxygen copolymers that have beneficial immune-modulating effects. These effects occur within the innate immune system by priming it to face environmental challenges and by mitigating the inflammatory response in a timely fashion, but without any direct anti-bacterial activity. As well, OxBC modulates but does not stimulate and deplete the animal’s energy stores unless directly stress-challenged. ABSTRACT: Oxidized β-carotene (OxBC), a phytochemical that occurs naturally in plants, is formed by the spontaneous reaction of β-carotene with ambient oxygen. Synthetic OxBC, obtained by full oxidation of β-carotene with air, shows considerable promise as an in-feed antimicrobial alternative additive that enhances health and performance in livestock. OxBC is predominantly composed of β-carotene-oxygen copolymers that have beneficial immune-modulating effects that occur within the innate immune system by priming it to face microbial challenges and by mitigating the inflammatory response. OxBC does not have any direct anti-bacterial activity. Further, unlike traditional immune stimulants, OxBC modulates but does not stimulate and utilize the animal’s energy stores unless directly stress-challenged. These immune effects occur by mechanisms distinct from the provitamin A or antioxidant pathways commonly proposed as explanations for β-carotene’s actions. Trials in poultry, swine, and dairy cows with low parts-per-million in-feed OxBC supplementation have shown performance benefits over and above those of feeds containing regular vitamin and mineral premixes. Through its ability to enhance immune function, health, and performance, OxBC has demonstrated utility not only as a viable alternative to in-feed antimicrobials but also in its ability to provide tangible health and performance benefits in applications where antimicrobial usage is precluded.