This article summarizes the experimental knowledge on efficacy, possible modes of action, and aspects of application of phytogenic products as feed additives for swine and poultry. Phytogenic feed additives comprise a wide variety of herbs, spices, and products derived thereof, and are mainly essential oils. The assumption that phytogenic compounds might improve the palatability of feed has not yet been confirmed by choice-feeding studies. Although numerous studies have demonstrated antioxidative and antimicrobial efficacy in vitro, respective experimental in vivo evidence is still quite limited. The same applies to the supposition that phytogenic compounds may specifically enhance activities of digestive enzymes and nutrient absorption. Nevertheless, a limited number of experimental comparisons of phytogenic feed additives with antibiotics and organic acids have suggested similar effects on the gut, such as reduced bacterial colony counts, fewer fermentation products (including ammonia and biogenic amines), less activity of the gut-associated lymphatic system, and a greater prececal nutrient digestion, probably reflecting an overall improved gut equilibrium. In addition, some phytogenic compounds seem to promote intestinal mucus production. Such effects may explain a considerable number of practical studies with swine and poultry reporting improved production performance after providing phytogenic feed additives. In total, available evidence indicates that phytogenic feed additives may add to the set of nonantibiotic growth promoters for use in livestock, such as organic acids and probiotics. However, a systematic approach toward the efficacy and safety of phytogenic compounds used as feed additives for swine and poultry is still missing.
ABSTRACT:In this study 120 piglets were allotted to 3 dietary treatments, negative control group, one group receiving a blend of essential oils (EO) derived from oregano, anise and citrus peels (40 mg/kg diet), and a positive control group treated with avilamycin as growth promoting feed additive (40 mg/kg diet). On day 22 of the experiment, 12 representative animals from each treatment group were sacrificed and tissue samples were collected for quantitative real time-PCR analysis and gut tissue morphology. EO and avilamycin decreased the gene expression of the transcriptional factor NFκB and the apoptotic marker TNFα significantly in the ileum and jejunum, respectively. The expression of the proliferation marker Cyclin D1 was also significantly decreased by both substances in the colon, mesenteric lymph nodes and spleen. The colonic crypt depth was reduced by avilamycin, and also numerically by the essential oils. These changes correlated with the up-regulation of the apoptosis factor Caspase 3. Histomorphometry revealed a smaller size of ileal Peyer's patches through the use of both feed additives, which correlated significantly with lower expression rates of NFκB. In conclusion, the results suggest that EO and avilamycin relieved weaning piglets from an immune defence stress in a similar way.
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