The use of needles as a phytobiotics in animal nutrition and aquaculture

Abstract

Relevance. The problem of infections resistant to antibiotics has led to a complete or partial abandonment of the use of antibiotics in agriculture as growth promoters. To improve the functions of the rumen microflora, digestive processes, increase bioavailability and utilization of nutrients, biologically active substances from various parts of plants are used, in particular phytobiotics contained in coniferous needles and their processing products. Coniferous needles are a by-product of logging and are recycled, which makes their cheap acquisition recommendable for use as a vitamin feed in poultry and livestock farming. The chemical composition of coniferous needles is represented by a wide range of minerals, biologically active organic compounds with high activity that affect the synthesis and action of vitamins and increase the activity of hormones in the body of animals and birds. Coniferous needles are rich in carotenoids, ascorbic acid, B vitamins, alpha-tocopherol, natural phenolic compounds, carboxylic acids, polyphenols, fatty acids and their derivatives. This stimulates the production of endogenous enzymes, immune, antibacterial, anthelmintic activity and antioxidant properties. Digestibility and availability of nutrients in feed are improved. Fresh coniferous needles are widely used in feeding animals, birds, as well as aquaculture in the form of flour, pastes, aqueous infusions, energy supplements — phytoncidal multivitamin preparations.