EFFECT OF ZINC, SELENIUM AND GERMANIUM CITRATE NANOPARTICLES ON THE ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF RABBITS UNDER HEAT STRESS CONDITIONS

Elevated temperatures negatively impact rabbits’ metabolism, leading to oxidative stress and death. This study evaluated the effect of nanoparticles of citrate-bound trace elements (zinc, selenium, and germanium) on antioxidant activity in rabbits under heat stress conditions. Twenty-four rabbits were divided into four groups. The first group received standard feed; the second, third, and fourth groups were supplemented with zinc citrate, selenium citrate, and germanium citrate nanoparticles, respectively. After 14 days, blood was collected and analyzed for catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase activities, as well as malondialdehyde levels. The results showed a significant increase in antioxidant enzyme activities and a decrease in lipid peroxidation in all experimental groups compared to control. The most pronounced effect was observed with selenium citrate. The findings suggest that supplementation with these nanoparticles enhances antioxidant defense in rabbits under thermal stress.