Black maize for racing pigeons ... hype or really something natural and good?

During flight, pigeons experience oxidative stress (so-called negative stress) which reduces energy production and thus jeopardizes a good performance.

What is oxidative stress?

In oxidation, nutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates) are burned by binding with oxygen. These so-called reactive oxygen species are generated during normal metabolic processes in every living being.

Oxidative stress is a metabolic process in which more of these oxygen species – called free radicals – are released than normally. This can occur during strenuous efforts such as intense exercise and therefore also in pigeons during races. Those harmful particles (free radicals) can cause a lot of damage in pigeons.

These free radicals attack the molecules and genes and change the structure of the body cells. They can also damage the cell membranes and cell structures in pigeons. The cells will thus have to use more energy to keep the cell membranes in good condition.

What to do against cell membrane and cell structure damage?

The muscle cells, however, possess an endogenous antioxidant system, with which they can protect themselves against the attacks of free radicals during exertion. The efforts are very intense during the racing season and the oxidative stress is thus very high. The better the pigeons are armed with natural antioxidants in addition to the body's own, the higher the protection against damage. Thus, if the pigeons ingest an extra portion of antioxidants in their daily diet, they will reduce the likelihood of damage to cell membranes and cell structures.