Animal Science and Food Technology

Determination of the acute toxicity and irritant effects of a stabilised coenzyme-containing feed additive

Vasyl Mishchenko, Alina Omelian*

alina_omelian@nubip.edu

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Abstract

The relevance of this study stems from the need to develop and provide toxicological justification for safe feed additives with antioxidant properties for use in animal husbandry. The aim of the study was to determine the acute toxicity and irritant effects of a stabilised coenzyme-containing feed additive supplemented with α-lipoic acid. The acute toxicity of the feed additive was investigated in Wistar rats following intragastric administration at doses ranging from 100 to 6,000 mg/kg, with a 14-day observation period. The irritant effect was evaluated in rabbits by instilling a suspension into the conjunctival sac of the eye, followed by the assessment of the main haematological and biochemical blood parameters. The results demonstrated the absence of mortality in rats administered the feed additive at doses up to 6,000 mg/kg body weight. The LD₅₀ value exceeded 5,000 mg/kg, allowing the tested additive to be classified as a slightly toxic or practically non-toxic substance. At the highest doses, some animals exhibited transient gastrointestinal disturbances and mild depression, which resolved spontaneously without intervention. Haematological and biochemical blood parameters remained within the physiological reference range. No evidence of pronounced haemotoxic, hepatotoxic, or nephrotoxic effects was observed. Sulphydryl group levels indicated preservation of the antioxidant status of the organism. Evaluation of the irritant effect in rabbits revealed only slight transient ocular discharge and mild oedema of the conjunctival mucosa, both of which completely resolved by the second day of the study. No signs of hyperaemia or prolonged irritation were detected. The findings confirm the safety of the stabilised coenzyme-containing feed additive supplemented with α-lipoic acid and support its potential for further application in animal husbandry. The obtained results may be used to substantiate the safety and facilitate the introduction of the stabilised coenzyme-containing feed additive with α-lipoic acid into animal husbandry practice, as well as in the development of new functional feed products with antioxidant properties

Keywords

α-lipoic acid; laboratory animals; haemotoxicity; hepatotoxicity; sulphydryl groups; biochemical blood parameters; toxicological assessment; carbohydrate metabolism

Suggested citation
Mishchenko, V., & Omelian, A. (2026). Determination of the acute toxicity and irritant effects of a stabilised coenzyme-containing feed additive. Animal Science and Food Technology, 17(2), 67-84. https://doi.org/10.31548/animal.2.2026.67
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