Evaluation of nutraceuticals, with a special focus on phenolic compounds, as feed ingredients for animal diets

Phenolic molecules are present in a vast range of by-products and co-products deriving from various agro-industrial chains.These molecules are characterized by a strong nutraceutical activity but are rarely used or considered polluting agents,and as such destined to be disposed of.The project aims at evaluating the possibility of using these products as feed ingredients for animal diets and studying their antioxidant,antimicrobial and immunostimulatory activity.First, the study will focus on the characterization of these compounds and the foods that contain them(co-products of the olive oil and hazelnut supply chain),then it will evaluate the effects on animals.The analysis will include productive performance,animal health and well-being,as well as the functional properties of products of animal origin for human consumption