Phytogenics

Phytogenics are a group of Natural Growth Promoters (NGPs) or Non-antibiotic Growth Promoters, derived from herbs, spices or other plants. They are commonly regarded as favorable alternatives to Antibiotic Growth Promoters (AGPs) in livestock production. Essential oils represent a concentrated form of phytogenics, containing mainly the active ingredients of the plants.

Benefits of phytogenics

The potential benefits of using phytogenics in livestock nutrition are:

* increased feed intake

* stimulation of digestion

* increased growth performance

* reduced incidence of diarrhea

* increased performance parameters

* improved reproductive parameters

* improved feed efficiency

* higher profitability

Mode of action of phytogenics

Effect on feed intake

Due to their aromatic ingredients, phytogenics add flavor to the fed, thereby increasing feed palatability. Particularly in pigs, the attractive taste potentially results in higher feed intakes. High feed intakes are a prerequisite for adequate development of piglets as well as for high reproductive performance in sows.

Effect on gut microflora

A well-balanced gut microflora is necessary to protect the gut from pathogenic invasion. Phytogenic compounds have shown antimicrobial, antioxidative, antiviral or sedative properties. Thus, inclusion of phytogenics results in a decimation of the gut microflora. At the best, a beneficial combination of different phytogenic compounds reduces the number of pathogenic bacteria only, while positive gut bacteria such as "Lactobacilli" or "Bifidobacteria" are not affected.

Effect on secretion saliva and digestive enzymes

Phytogenics are known to increase the secretion of saliva and gastric acid, thus having a positive impact on overall digestive processes. Especially in young piglets, the gastric acid production is inadequate, often causing diarrhea in the post-weaning period. Therefore, inclusion of phytogenics, which increases the rate of gastric acid secretion is beneficial in terms of counteracting digestive disorders in this critical stage of life.

References

Kroismayr, A., Sehm, J., Mayer, H., Schreiner, M., Foissy, H., Wetscherek, W. and Windisch, W. (2005) Effect of essential oils or Avilamycin on microbial, histological and molecular–biological parameters of gut health in weaned piglets. 4. BOKU-Symposium Tierernährung: Tierernährung ohne Antibiotische Leistungsförderer. Vienna, Austria, pp. 140–146.

Losa, R. (2000) The use of essential oils in animal nutrition. 3rd Conference on Sow Feed Manufacturing in the Mediterranean Region. March 22–24, Reus, Spain, pp. 39–44.

Mathe, A. (1996) Essential oils as phytogenic feed additives. In: 27th International Symposium on Essential Oils: Essential oils Basic and Applied Research. Edited by Franz, Ch., Mathe, A., Buchbauer, G. pp. 315–321. Allured Publishing Corporation, Vienna, Austria.

Pasteiner, S. (2006) New natural concept for poultry gut health. International Poultry Production 14, 1: 17.

Steiner, T. (2006) The potential benefits of Natural Growth Promoters. Feed Tech 10.2: 26–28.

External links

* [http://www.pjbs.org/ijps/fin282.pdf Essential oils in broiler nutrition]

* [http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/livestock/swine/news/janfeb06a10.htm The potential of essential oils as alternative to antibiotic growth promoter]

* [http://www.biomin.net/homepage/biomin_en.nsf/fa6a5340ce9a4fbac1256de6006c774d/eed8ca95150227c4c12571a3003d9b73/$FILE/2006%20SPB%20Int.%20Poult.%20Prod.%20Gut%20health%20Poultry.pdf New natural concept for poultry gut health]

* [http://www.biomin.net/homepage/biomin_en.nsf/fa6a5340ce9a4fbac1256de6006c774d/eed8ca95150227c4c12571a3003d9b73/$FILE/TST%202006-04%20Feed%20Tech%20NGP.pdf The potential benefits of Natural Growth Promoters]