A number of the premium performance products within the Dunstan Range include ‘Melofeed®’ but what is it?
Melofeed® is a unique feed additive that is designed to fight against oxidative stress.
What is oxidative stress?
Oxidation is a normal metabolic process in the production of energy. A resulting by-product of this process are free radicals. Free radicals are harmful to cell membranes, damaging the structures of the cells. It is important they are kept in check to avoid performance limiting issues that may be associated with muscular, respiratory and joint health and impede recovery after exercise.
It is the job of antioxidants to moderate the levels of free radicals. If antioxidant stores are inadequate, an imbalance occurs. This is known as ‘Oxidative Stress’, when free radical production is greater than antioxidant supply.
In equine diets, we are familiar with two key antioxidants, Vitamin E and Selenium however, Melofeed® brings another ‘free radical fighter’ to the table.
Melofeed® provides a rich natural source of SOD, (superoxide dismutase), a primary antoxidant enzyme whose job it is to scavenge free radicals and therefore reduce oxidative stress to improve both general health, performance and recovery.
Studies have also shown that when Melofeed® and Alkosel® Selenium yeast (organic Selenium, used in all the Dunstan feeds) are fed together, they work in a complementary fashion as the first line of antioxidant defence. Controlling oxidative stress benefits both muscle and joint integrity in the equine athlete, helping to preserve the performance and longevity of our equine partners.
Dunstan Move Free, Dunstan Resolve® and Dunstan Recovery Mash® are three of the Dunstan performance products that are formulated for the equine athlete and include Melofeed®. Dunstan Move Free and Dunstan Resolve also contain a full vitamin and mineral premix utilising Alkosel® Selenium and Natural Vitamin E, as well as other targeted supplements unique to the formulated purpose of each product.
