Essential oil and aromatic plants as feed additives in non-ruminant nutrition:a review

This paper summarizes the current knowledge regarding the possible modes of action and nutritional factors involved in the use of essential oils(EOs) for swine and poultry.EOs have recently attracted increased interest as feed additives to be fed to swine and poultry,possibly replacing the use of antibiotic growth promoters which have been prohibited in the European Union since 2006.In general,EOs enhance the production of digestive secretions and nutrient absorption,reduce pathogenic stress in the gut,exert antioxidant properties and reinforce the animal's immune status,which help to explain the enhanced performance observed in swine and poultry.However,the mechanisms involved in causing this growth promotion are far from being elucidated,since data on the complex gut ecosystem,gut function,in vivo oxidative status and immune system are still lacking.In addition,limited information is available regarding the interaction between EOs and feed ingredients or other feed additives(especially pro- or prebiotics and organic acids).This knowledge may help feed formulators to better utilize EOs when they formulate diets for poultry and swine.     

Essential oil and aromatic plants as feed additives in non-ruminant nutrition: a review

This paper summarizes the current knowledge regarding the possible modes of action and nutritional factors involved in the use of essential oils (EOs) for swine and poultry. EOs have recently attracted increased interest as feed additives to be fed to swine and poultry, possibly replacing the use of antibiotic growth promoters which have been prohibited in the European Union since 2006. In general, EOs enhance the production of digestive secretions and nutrient absorption, reduce pathogenic stress in the gut, exert antioxidant properties and reinforce the animal’s immune status, which help to explain the enhanced performance observed in swine and poultry. However, the mechanisms involved in causing this growth promotion are far from being elucidated, since data on the complex gut ecosystem, gut function, in vivo oxidative status and immune system are still lacking. In addition, limited information is available regarding the interaction between EOs and feed ingredients or other feed additives (especially pro- or prebiotics and organic acids). This knowledge may help feed formulators to better utilize EOs when they formulate diets for poultry and swine.     

The application of antimicrobial peptides as growth and health promoters for swine

With the widespread ban on the use of antibiotics in swine feed, alternative measures need to be sought to maintain swine health and performance. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are part of the nonspecific defense system and are natural antibiotics produced by plants, insects, mammalians, and micro-organisms as well as by chemical synthesis. Due to their broad microbicidal activity against various fungi, bacteria and enveloped viruses, AMPs are a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics for use in swine production. This review focuses on the structure and mechanism of action of AMPs, as well as their effects on performance, immune function and intestinal health in pigs. The aim is to provide support for the application of AMPs as feed additives replacing antibiotics in swine nutrition.     

Antioxidant effects of seaweeds and their active compounds on animal health and production – a review

Natural antioxidants applied as feed additives can improve not only animals’ health and overall performance but also increase their resistance to environmental stress such as heat stress, bad housing conditions, diseases, etc. Marine organisms, for example seaweeds – red, brown, and green macroalgae contain a plethora of biologically active substances, including phenolic compounds, polysaccharides, pigments, vitamins, micro- and macroelements, and proteins known for their antioxidant activity, which can help in the maintenance of appropriate redox status in animals and show pleiotropic effects for enhancing good health, and productivity. The dysregulated production of free radicals is a marked characteristic of several clinical conditions, and antioxidant machinery plays a pivotal role in scavenging the excessive free radicals, thereby preventing and treating infections in animals. Supplementation of seaweeds to animal diet can boost antioxidant activity, immunity, and the gut environment. Dietary supplementation of seaweeds can also enhance meat quality due to the deposition of marine-derived antioxidant components in muscles. The use of natural antioxidants in the meat industry is a practical approach to minimize or prevent lipid oxidation. However, overconsumption of seaweeds, especially brown macroalgae, should be avoided because of their high iodine content. An important point to consider when including seaweeds in animal feed is their variable composition which depends on the species, habitat, location, harvest time, growing conditions such as nutrient concentration in water, light intensity, temperature, etc. This review highlights the beneficial applications of seaweeds and their extracted compounds, which have antioxidant properties as feed additives and impact animal health and production.     

The application of antimicrobial peptides as growth and health promoters for swine

With the widespread ban on the use of antibiotics in swine feed,alternative measures need to be sought to maintain swine health and performance.Antimicrobial peptides(AMPs) are part of the nonspecific defense system and are natural antibiotics produced by plants,insects,mammalians,and micro-organisms as well as by chemical synthesis.Due to their broad microbicidal activity against various fungi,bacteria and enveloped viruses,AMPs are a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics for use in swine production.This review focuses on the structure and mechanism of action of AMPs,as well as their effects on performance,immune function and intestinal health in pigs.The aim is to provide support for the application of AMPs as feed additives replacing antibiotics in swine nutrition.     

Tryptophan in poultry nutrition: Impacts and mechanisms of action

Many studies have shown that productivity, immune system, antioxidant status, and meat and egg quality can be optimized by dietary supplementation with amino acids that are not usually added to poultry diets. Understanding the effects of these amino acids may encourage feed manufacturers and poultry producers to include them as additives. One of these amino acids is tryptophan (Trp). The importance of Trp is directly related to its role in protein anabolism and indirectly related to its metabolites such as serotonin and melatonin. Thus, Trp could affect the secretion of hormones, development of immune organs, meat and egg production, and meat and egg quality in poultry raised under controlled or stressed conditions. Therefore, this review discusses the main roles of Trp in poultry production and its mode (s) of action in order to help poultry producers decide whether they need to add Trp to poultry diets. Further areas of research are also identified to address information gaps.     

Dietary plant bioactives for poultry health and productivity

1. Plants and their biologically active chemical constituents, sometimes called secondary metabolites or bioactives, present numerous opportunities for the improvement of livestock production by inclusion in the diet. 2. Many such plant derived materials have well established therapeutic values in man; however, their potential as feed additives in animal production, particularly of poultry, remains largely unexploited. 3. There is increasing evidence indicating that they can be efficient in controlling diseases, and plant bioactives may also influence production parameters such as feed efficiency and product quality. 4. It has been reported that they may even replicate some of the effects of antibiotic growth promoters, which were banned from use in Europe from 2006. 5. This review assesses the status of plant bioactives in poultry production and their mode of action on avian physiology, particularly in the digestive tract.     

植物提取物添加剂在动物营养中的应用及其机制的研究进展

植物提取物添加剂具有提高动物生产性能、无残留和无抗药性的特点,能够为畜禽养殖业高效生产安全、健康、营养的食品提供保证.本文综述了植物提取物添加剂的抗菌和抗氧化作用,并总结了其在猪禽上的应用研究和影响其使用效果的因素.     

Alternatives to antibiotics as growth promoters for use in swine production:a review

In the past two decades, an intensive amount of research has been focused on the development of alternatives to antibiotics to maintain swine health and performance. The most widely researched alternatives include probiotics, prebiotics, acidiflers, plant extracts and neutraceuticals such as copper and zinc. Since these additives have been more than adequately covered in previous reviews, the focus of this review will be on less traditional alternatives. The potential of antimicrobial peptides, clay minerals, egg yolk antibodies, essential oils, eucalyptus oil-medium chain fatty acids, rare earth elements and recombinant enzymes are discussed. Based on a thorough review of the literature, it is evident that a long and growing list of compounds exist which have been tested for their ability to replace antibiotics as feed additives in diets fed to swine. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these compounds produce inconsistent results and rarely equal antibiotics in their effectiveness. Therefore, it would appear that research is still needed in this area and that the perfect alternative to antibiotics does not yet exist.     

Alternatives to antibiotics as growth promoters for use in swine production: a review

In the past two decades, an intensive amount of research has been focused on the development of alternatives to antibiotics to maintain swine health and performance. The most widely researched alternatives include probiotics, prebiotics, acidifiers, plant extracts and neutraceuticals such as copper and zinc. Since these additives have been more than adequately covered in previous reviews, the focus of this review will be on less traditional alternatives. The potential of antimicrobial peptides, clay minerals, egg yolk antibodies, essential oils, eucalyptus oil-medium chain fatty acids, rare earth elements and recombinant enzymes are discussed. Based on a thorough review of the literature, it is evident that a long and growing list of compounds exist which have been tested for their ability to replace antibiotics as feed additives in diets fed to swine. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these compounds produce inconsistent results and rarely equal antibiotics in their effectiveness. Therefore, it would appear that research is still needed in this area and that the perfect alternative to antibiotics does not yet exist.     

Nutritional significance of amino acids,vitamins and minerals as nutraceuticals in poultry production and health – a comprehensive review

Nutraceuticals have gained immense importance in poultry science recently considering the nutritional and beneficial health effects of their constituents. Besides providing nutritional requirements to birds, nutraceuticals have beneficial pharmacological effects, for example, they help in establishing normal physiological health status, prevent diseases and thereby improve production performance. Nutraceuticals include amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, etc. which are important for preventing oxidative stress, regulating the immune response and maintaining normal physiological, biochemical and homeostatic mechanisms. Nutraceuticals help in supplying nutrients in balanced amounts for supporting the optimal growth performance in modern poultry flocks, and as a dietary supplement can reduce the use of antibiotics. The application of antibiotic growth enhancers in poultry leads to the propagation of antibiotic-resistant microbes and drug residues; therefore, they have been restricted in many countries. Thus, there is a demand for natural feed additives that lead to the same growth enhancement without affecting the health. Nutraceuticals substances have an essential role in the development of the animals’ normal physiological functions and in protecting them against infectious diseases. In this review, the uses of amino acids, vitamins and minerals as well as their mode of action in growth promotion and elevation of immune system are discussed.     

血根碱的作用机制及其在动物营养上的应用效果

血根碱是一种苯菲啶异喹啉类生物碱,具有抗菌、抗氧化以及抗炎症的作用,并被用来控制血吸虫,此外血根碱还具有抗肿瘤特性。血根碱作为饲料添加剂,在猪禽饲养管理中替代抗生素已取得了良好效果。本文就对血根碱的主要作用及其机制,以及其在动物营养上的应用进行综述。     

The effect of metal-containing nanoparticles on the health,performance and production of livestock animals and poultry

The application of high doses of mineral feed additives in the form of inorganic salts increases the growth performance of animals, but at the same, due to their low bioavailability, can contaminate the environment. Therefore, there is a need to find a replacement of administering high doses of minerals with an equally effective alternative. The application of lower doses of metal-containing nanoparticles with the same effect on animal production could be a potential solution. In the present review, zinc, silver, copper, gold, selenium, and calcium nanoparticles are discussed as potential feed additives for animals. Production of nanoparticles under laboratory conditions using traditional chemical and physical methods as well as green and sustainable methods – biosynthesis has been described. Special attention has been paid to the biological properties of nanoparticles, as well as their effect on animal health and performance. Nano-minerals supplemented to animal feed (poultry, pigs, ruminants, rabbits) acting as growth-promoting, immune-stimulating and antimicrobial agents have been highlighted. Metal nanoparticles are known to exert a positive effect on animal performance, productivity, carcass traits through blood homeostasis maintenance, intestinal microflora, oxidative damage prevention, enhancement of immune responses, etc. Metal-containing nanoparticles can also be a solution for nutrient deficiencies in animals (higher bioavailability and absorption) and can enrich animal products with microelements like meat, milk, or eggs. Metal-containing nanoparticles are proposed to partially replace inorganic salts as feed additives. However, issues related to their potential toxicity and safety to livestock animals, poultry, humans, and the environment should be carefully investigated.     

非抗生素饲料添加剂对家禽生产性能的影响

家禽业正在努力寻求减少对抗生素促生长剂和抗菌剂依赖的方法,以避免耐药菌的产生和药物残留等问题。这就促使一些天然物质,如益生菌、益生元、共生菌、有机酸、饲料酶和植物源性提取物等的开发为家禽饲料添加剂的相关研究逐渐成为热点。就上述抗生素替代物作为饲料添加剂应用于家禽养殖时的有益作用、作用机制及注意事项等进行详细阐述,以期为家禽生产实践奠定理论基础。     

植物提取物在肉羊生产中的应用

植物提取物因具有无残留、无抗药性、无毒副作用等优点而被作为新型绿色饲料添加剂广泛应用于畜禽养殖中,为畜禽健康、安全生产以及为人类提供优质畜产品方面起到了重要作用。本文综述了植物提取物的主要生物学活性成分,并着重阐述了植物提取物对肉羊生长性能、抗氧化能力和瘤胃发酵等的影响及其作用机理,旨在为天然植物源饲料添加剂的研发并在肉羊养殖中的应用提供参考依据。     

The Effects of a Natural Antibiotic Alternative and a Natural Growth Promoter Feed Additive on Broiler Performance and Carcass Quality

The use of subtherapeutic levels of antibiotics in poultry feed improves performance and morbidity in broiler chickens. However, consumer pressure related to the potential development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has resulted in the development of nonantibiotic feed additives that may also improve broiler performance. Essential oils, organic acids, and phytogenic compounds enhance production of gastric secretions, stimulate blood circulation, and reduce levels of pathogenic bacteria. The objective of the current study was to assess the use of Biostrong 505+ and Biostrong 510 as natural growth promoters in broiler chickens. Assessment was based on the performance and carcass quality of broilers fed either a maximum-yield or a least-cost commercial broiler diet. The maximum-yield diet improved broiler performance and carcass quality. Biostrong 505+ can be used to improve feed conversion and breast yield when incorporated into diets devoid of antibiotics. This improvement in feed conversion and breast yield was accentuated when Biostrong 505+ was used in conjunction with a maximum-yield diet. Biostrong 510 improved feed conversion when used in poultry diets containing antibiotics.     

几种多肽类抗生素添加剂在饲料中的应用研究

杆菌肽、维吉尼亚霉素等四种多肽类抗生素因具有促进畜禽生长、在畜禽体内残留量较小、不易产生耐药性等特点,被批准为可以在饲料中长时间添加使用的饲料药物添加剂。本文就多肽类抗生素在畜禽生产中的应用研究在《饲料药物添加剂使用规范》中的用法用量作一综述,为正确合理使用该类药物,保障畜产品质量提供参考。     

多糖提取及对家禽生长、免疫和产蛋性能影响研究进展

多糖是由多个单糖通过糖苷键结合而成的高分子化合物。食用菌及植物的组织中均存在丰富的天然多糖类物质。多糖具有抗氧化、提高免疫力、改善肠道健康等多种生理功能,作为功能性添加剂在饲料中被广泛应用。文章对多糖的提取方法及对家禽生长、免疫、产蛋性能影响进行综述,为进一步获取优质多糖及在饲料中的应用提供参考。     

Combinations of plant-derived compounds against Campylobacter in vitro

Campylobacter occur in fresh retail poultry products as a result of their colonization of the gastro-intestinal tract of chickens during growth. Feed additives could be used for suppression of Campylobacter levels in the chickens prior to slaughter. To address this opportunity, feed manufacturers are targeting natural antimicrobials from plant material as new forms of consumer-accepted feed additives. However, to be practical, these natural antimicrobials must be effective at low concentrations. The current study has validated an improved laboratory method to study minimal inhibitory concentrations of plant compounds and their combinations against Campylobacter. The assay was shown to be valid for testing lipid-soluble and water-soluble plant extracts and byproducts from the food industry. The study screened 29 extracts or plant-derived compounds and their mixtures for anti-Campylobacter activity using a laboratory assay. Combinations of oregano, lactic acid, and sorghum byproduct showed effective synergy in anti-Campylobacter activity. The synergies allowed a large reduction in the concentration of the individual compounds needed to kill the bacteria with an 80% reduction in concentration being achieved for oregano essential oil. The assay gives rise to further opportunities for the testing of a greater range of combinations of plant-derived compounds and other natural antimicrobials. The method is robust, simple, and easily automated, and it could be used to adjust the cost of feed formulations by reducing costs associated with antimicrobial feed additives.