Upgraded nutritional value of maize - the beneficial effect of phytochemicals

Abstract

In nature, animals select feeds that contain both nutrients and phytochemicals, compounds that have a beneficial effect on animal and human health. In the sustainable production of farm animals, value- added feeds meet nutrient requirements, and maintain digestive efficiency and metabolic health. Due to high content of phytochemicals such as carotenoids, resistant starch, tocols and phenolics, maize grain is such a feed. These compounds have a beneficial effect on the health and well-being of animals and, if not used for this purpose, are deposited in the tissues. In this way, they improve the quality of meat and egg yolk, but also become sources of phytochemicals in human nutrition. This paper presents the content of phytochemicals in maize grain and their beneficial effects on farm anima