Abstract
Antibiotics have been used in feed for animals with the intention of preventing diseases and increasing the feed conversion efficiency, rather than treatment of sick animals [1]. A recent investigation on antimicrobial resistance states that over 70% of medically important antibiotics in the US are sold for use in animals. This has contribute to antimicrobial resistance and the development of ‘superbugs’, which has compelled action to be taken in order to curb this predicament, one such method is the necessity to replace antibiotics in animal production [2]. Phytogenic compounds provide one such options, as they have become increasingly studied in recent years, and can act as a substitutes to antibiotics in feed for the livestock industry [3]. Therefore, in an attempt to progress the economic state of livestock industry and to combat against antimicrobial resistance, the identification and improvement of alternatives that do not hinder productivity is crucial [4].
Highlights
The present study was commissioned to evaluate the safety of ursolic acid, berberine and piceid as potential ingredients of poultry feed
This substantial study suggests that berberine, ursolic acid or piceid can be included safely in poultry feed up to the highest concentrations tested in this study, i.e. 0.3g berberine, 0.05g ursolic acid, or 0.5g piceid per kg poultry feed
The present study focuses on the general health of broiler chickens during and after administration of feed containing the natural phytogenic compounds, berberine, ursolic acid and piceid, administered in different concentrations
Summary
The present study was commissioned to evaluate the safety of ursolic acid, berberine and piceid as potential ingredients of poultry feed. In 1920 a pentacyclic triterpenoid compound was identified in peels of fruits, such as the epicuticular waxes of apples, as well as in herbs and spices including rosemary and thyme [1,2]. This compound is known as ursolic acid ( referred to as urson, prunol, malol, or 3-beta-3-hydroxy-urs-12-ene-28-oicacid). The present study focuses on the general health of broiler chickens during and after administration of feed containing the natural phytogenic compounds, berberine, ursolic acid and piceid, administered in different concentrations
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