Assessing the potential of phytogenic feed additives: A comprehensive review on their effectiveness as a potent dietary enhancement for nonruminant in swine and poultry

Abstract

Phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) often referred to as phytobiotics or botanical feed additives, are natural compounds derived from various plants, herbs, spices and other botanical sources. These feed additives are intended to serve a variety of purposes, including an immune system regulator, an antimicrobial, an antimutagenic, an antioxidant and a growth promoter. They are composed of bioactive compounds extracted from plants, including essential oils, polyphenols, terpenoids and flavonoids. They are mostly utilized as substitute antibiotic growth promoters in nonruminant (swine and poultry) livestock production, owing to the prohibition of antibiotic usage in the feed industry. It has been thoroughly examined to ascertain their impact on intestinal health and activity, correlation with animals' effective health and well‐being, productivity, food security and environmental impact. The potential uses of these feed additives depend on the properties of herbs, the comprehension of their principal and secondary components, knowledge of their mechanisms of action, the safety of animals and the products they produce. They are gaining recognition as effective and sustainable tools for promoting animal health and performance while reducing the reliance on antibiotics in nonruminant nutrition. Their natural origins, multifaceted benefits and alignment with consumer preferences make them a valuable addition to modern animal farming process. However, because of their inconsistent effects and inadequate knowledge of the mechanisms of action, their usage as a feed additive has been limited. This review offers a comprehensive assessment of the applications of PFAs as an effective feed supplement in swine and poultry nutrition. In summary, this comprehensive review provides current knowledge, identifies gaps in research and emphasizes the potential of phytogenic additives to foster sustainable and healthier livestock production systems while addressing the global concerns associated with antibiotic use in livestock farming.

Genomics and physiology of Catenibacillus, human gut bacteria capable of polyphenol C-deglycosylation and flavonoid degradation

“…According to the potential polyphenol-converting enzymes encoded in the MAGs from chicken gut, Catenibacillus species ( C. scindens, C. faecavium, C. faecigallinarum ; Table 1 ) could play a role in metabolism and, thereby, bioavailability of these compounds when given as feed additives to poultry. Polyphenols including flavonoids are being applied to farm animals as alternative growth promoters replacing antibiotics [ 76 77 ]. In chicken, the beneficial effects of fulvic acid on growth performance and immune function through the modulation of gut microbiota, including enrichment of Catenibacillus , was recently reported [ 52 ].…”

Potential for the development of Taraxacum mongolicum aqueous extract as a phytogenic feed additive for poultry

“…Therefore, low-cost and effective alternatives to AGPs are crucial for the sustainable development of livestock production worldwide. Antibacterial peptides, probiotics, acidifiers, and plant active ingredients have been extensively researched and are considered promising alternatives to AGPs (8)(9)(10)(11). However, the EU's decades of experience in antibiotic-free farming demonstrate that AGPs cannot be replaced by a single product and require a more comprehensive strategy (12)(13)(14).…”