Meeting Abstract
Antioxidants play a key role in protecting cells by inhibiting harmful oxidants, or free radicals, produced by metabolic processes. Antioxidants are especially important in vertebrates that are ill or are overcoming injury, such as birds of prey, that are taken into captivity for rehabilitation. In addition to the stress associated with injury, these animals incur the additional stress of being handled, which may drastically reduce their antioxidant capacity. In order to bring the raptors antioxidant levels into balance, a healthy diet is necessary. In many zoos and rehabilitation centers, the dietary supplement Vitahawk® is administered to boost Vitamin A, C, E, K, and B in captive birds. The objective of our study was to determine if Vitahawk® improves antioxidant and cardiovascular health in birds undergoing rehabilitation. Blood samples from birds were taken at admission and release to be used in a total antioxidant capacity (TAC) assay to determine differences between antioxidant capacity levels. Raptors receiving Vitahawk®. We found that non-Vitahawk® recipients had a 35% increase in antioxidant capacity from their time of admission to release, supporting that normal diet increases antioxidant capacity levels by itself. We did not find a significant difference between birds given Vitahawk® and those not given the supplement, suggesting that the supplemental vitamins and nutrients may not provide any additional benefit in a secure environment with an ample, consistent food source.
