Encapsulation as a Way to Improve the Phytogenic Effects of Herbal Additives in Broilers – An Overview

Abstract

The prohibition of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) and the restriction of synthetic antioxidants have had a negative impact on the productivity and health of broiler chickens. To ensure sustainability in broiler production, poultry nutritionists continue to look for alternatives to AGP and antioxidants. Using herbal ingredients is one alternative that is widely used today. However, the use of herbal ingredients in small doses is often constrained by bioavailability problems, thereby reducing the effectiveness of using herbal additives for broiler chickens. At higher doses, the use of herbal ingredients can increase feed costs and negatively impact palatability, digestion and protein utilization, and liver health. Encapsulation is a method that can improve the stability, palatability, and bioavailability of herbal additives, which may enhance the efficacy of herbs as AGP and antioxidant alternatives for broilers. This review article provides a comprehensive insight into the application of and problems related to herbal additives, benefits of encapsulation technology on herbs, and use of encapsulated herbs in broiler production.

Effect of encapsulated Medinilla javanensis fruit extract on growth, protein digestibility and health of broilers

“…The treatment also reduced the value of the Escherichia coli population and the pH of the small intestine in a linear fashion. This finding agreed with Sugiharto and Ayasan (2022), who stated that encapsulation could increase the Antioxidant and antibacterial potential of herbal components in broiler chickens. The secondary metabolite content of Medinilla javanensis fruit, particularly flavonoids, had antibacterial properties that could reduce the population of pathogenic bacteria (Vifta et al, 2021).…”

“…Sugiharto and Ayasan ( 2022) stated that encapsulation of herbal ingredients could positively affect nutrient digestibility, physiological conditions, and health, thereby improving growth performance and feed efficiency in broiler chickens. Encapsulation is a technique for protecting and improving the availability of herbal ingredients in order to provide more positive benefits to the performance and health of chickens (Sugiharto, 2021;Sugiharto and Ayasan, 2022). Aside from the encapsulation effect, herbal products have been shown to improve the growth rate and feed efficiency of broiler chickens.…”

“…Phenolic compounds are typically susceptible to environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, light, and oxygen. Therefore, they must be protected in order for their phenolic compound to be effective as an antioxidant source (Sugiharto and Ayasan, 2022). One way to minimize the oxidation of phenolic compounds during storage is through the encapsulation method (Pang et al, 2014;Jeyakumari, 2016).…”

“…One way to minimize the oxidation of phenolic compounds during storage is through the encapsulation method (Pang et al, 2014;Jeyakumari, 2016). Encapsulation can also mask unpleasant tastes or odors while limiting mold growth (Vincekovic et al, 2017;Sugiharto and Ayasan, 2022). Moreover, Iriyanti and Hartoyo (2019) noted that encapsulation may protect the phytogenic materials from the gastrointestinal conditions (particularly in the stomach) and thus increase the availability of bioactive components for broiler chickens.…”

Physiological responses and intestinal conditions of broiler chickens treated with encapsulated Acalypha australis L. leaf extract and chitosan

“…Under these circumstances, the use of herbal products as a substitute for AGP for broiler chicken may be ineffective. During storage, herbal products are often exposed to light, oxygen, and heat, which may damage the active components of the herbal product [5]. Low bioavailability of herbal products for the host is another factor that may limit their efficacy [6].…”