Abstract
Animals are only productive once their reproductive cycle is continuously flown. There are several causes of stresses which interrupt animal physiology and make animal less productive. All factors involved in stress could eventually generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). Limited production of these reactive species performs several functions to maintain redox homeostasis. When these reactive oxidative metabolites are overwhelmed, it may generate oxidative stress. Disruption in oxidant/antioxidant mechanism leads to cause oxidative stress. Naturally, the body system is equipped with an antioxidant defense system. Once this system is broken-down due to the overproduction of ROS, it may have a detrimental effect on lipids, proteins, DNA, and carbohydrates and eventually influence animal fertility and productivity. Antioxidants available in nature are of two types: natural and synthetic. These compounds endowed several properties in the mitigation of various animal stresses, starting from physiology to molecular level. This chapter elucidates oxidative stress, natural and synthetic antioxidants, and particular focus are emphasized that how antioxidant supplementation can help to improve animal fertility and productivity. Moreover, the mechanism by which antioxidants produce fruitful effects will also be highlighted.