Effects Of Phytogenic Feed Additives Research Articles

Pioneering gut health improvements in piglets with phytogenic feed additives

This research investigates the effects of phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) on the growth performance, gut microbial community, and microbial metabolic functions in weaned piglets via a combined 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenomics approach. A controlled trial was conducted using 200 pigs to highlight the significant influence of PFAs on gut microbiota dynamics. Notably, the treatment group revealed an increased gut microbiota diversity, as measured with the Shannon and Simpson indices. The increase in diversity is accompanied by an increase in beneficial bacterial taxa, such as Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, and Prevotella, and a decline in potential pathogens like Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Campylobacter. Shotgun sequencing at the species level confirmed these findings. This modification in microbial profile was coupled with an altered profile of microbial metabolic pathways, suggesting a reconfiguration of microbial function under PFA influence. Significant shifts in overall microbial community structure by week 8 demonstrate PFA treatment’s temporal impact. Histomorphological examination unveiled improved gut structure in PFA-treated piglets. The results of this study indicate that the use of PFAs as dietary supplements can be an effective strategy, augmenting gut microbiota diversity, reshaping microbial function, enhancing gut structure, and optimising intestinal health of weaned piglets providing valuable implications for swine production.Key points• PFAs significantly diversify the gut microbiota in weaned piglets, aiding balance.• Changes in gut structure due to PFAs indicate improved resistance to weaning stress.• PFAs show potential to ease weaning stress, offering a substitute for antibiotics in piglet diets.

Effects of phytogenic feed additives in growing and finishing pigs under different stocking density

Effects of phytogenic feed additives in growing and finishing pigs under different stocking density

Feeding phytogenic ingredients combined or not with Lithothamnium calcareum and a mycotoxin binder to lactating cows: Effects on performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological parameters, and nitrogen excretion

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of phytogenic feed additives combined or not with buffer compounds and a mycotoxin binder on performance, nutrient digestibility, N utilization, and purine derivatives excretion in lactating cows. Thirty-six Holstein (162 ± 76 days in milk and 32.6 ± 5.57 kg/d milk yield) cows were blocked (n = 12) according to parity, days in milk, and milk yield and were randomly assigned to the following treatments: control (CON), no feed additive; phytogenic feed additive at 5 g/d (PA); and PA + 140 g of buffer compounds (Lithothamnium calcareum, NaHCO3, and MgO) + 25 g/d of a mycotoxin binder (PABB). The PFA mixture contained pepper oleoresin and extracts of cinnamon, pepper, onion, grape seed, Curcuma sp., and Quillaja sp. Treatments were provided mixed into minerals. Cows were allowed a 2 wk-covariate period, and treatments were applied for the following 9 wks. Tukey’s test was used to determine differences between treatment groups. Dry matter (DM) intake was greater (P < 0.001) when feeding phytogenic additives, either PA or PABB, in comparison with CON. Similar nutrient intake was observed between PA and PABB groups. Digestibility of DM was greater (P = 0.047) in cows fed PA than CON but did not differ from those fed PABB. Milk yield was greater (P = 0.041) in cows fed PA than CON group, whereas PA and PABB had similar production values (32.1, 33.6, and 32.8 kg/d for CON, PA, and PABB, respectively). Fat production was increased (P = 0.002) when feeding feed additives. Milk protein concentration was greater (P = 0.043) in PABB-cows than both PA and CON groups. There was no evidence for treatment effects on milk urea nitrogen concentration, feed efficiency, or serum concentrations of glucose and urea-N. The heart rate was lower (P = 0.026) in CON group than PA or PABB during the morning period evaluation. Skin temperature of the face region was elevated (P = 0.040) in cows fed PABB than CON during the morning period. Milk N secretion tended to be greater (P = 0.096) in cows fed treatments with phytogenic additives (PA and PABB) than CON. Relative N excretion (g/kg of N intake) in urine, feces, and milk were not affected by treatments. Urinary purine derivatives daily excretion was similar among treatments. Phytogenic feed additives improve performance of cows, whereas providing a blend of buffer components and mycotoxin binder may increase milk protein concentration.

Effects of phytogenic feed additives on the growth, blood biochemistry, and caecal microorganisms of White Roman geese

Effects of phytogenic feed additives on the growth, blood biochemistry, and caecal microorganisms of White Roman geese

Effects of Phytogenic Feed Additives on Body Weight Gain and Gut Bacterial Load in Broiler Chickens

Phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) have promising importance in chicken production as antibiotic alternatives to balance chicken gut microorganisms and improve productivity. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the body weight gain (BWG) and gut bacterial load of broiler chicks fed on selected herbs. For this experiment, 360 unsexed one-day-old broiler chicks of Cobb 500 with an average weight of 40.74 g were randomly allocated into six treatment groups with three replicates of 20 chicks in each pen. The treatment 1 (T1) group was fed by a basal diet alone. Chickens of T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 were fed the basal diet containing 1% of basil, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme leaves powder, respectively for 49 days. Body weight (BW), BWG, and average daily weight gain (ADWG) data were recorded every week and at the end of every phase. On days 21 and 42, three chickens from each replicate were slaughtered for microbiological analysis (pathogenic and normal flora) of cecum contents aseptically. The obtained result showed that chickens kept on T3 had significantly higher BW, BWG, and ADWG during the starter and grower phases. Significantly highest final BW was recorded during the finisher phase on T3 and T6. Chickens that consumed T3 and T6 had significantly higher overall BWG and ADWG. The lowest Escherichia coli counts were seen in chickens fed on rosemary (T5) on both days 21 and 42 of the experimental time. Similarly, the highest Lactobacilli counts were recorded on chicken fed on T5 (day 21) and T3 (day 42). On the other hand, almost all treatment herbs showed a higher Enterococcal count, with the highest recorded for T3 (day 21) and T6 (day 42). The present findings suggest that supplementing lemongrass and thyme leaf powder improves BW performance and gut microbial composition. Likewise, rosemary leaf powder enhances the beneficial microbial composition and reduces pathogenic bacteria. However, the underlying detailed biological mechanisms and dose standardization of these herbs for inclusion in the diet of broiler chickens need to be studied further.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of phytogenic feed additives on pig performance

The present study aimed to evaluate the use of dietary phytogenic additives (DPA) for pigs (nursery, growing, and finishing phases) through a systematic review combined with a meta-analysis. Studies were searched using keywords in English in the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science reference search engines. A database containing all relevant information available in the studies was then developed. The selected studies compared the performance parameters of pigs fed control diets with or without antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) with those fed diets containing phytogenic additives. The meta-analysis was carried out following three sequential analyses: graphic, correlation, and variance-covariance. The database included 104 studies. A wide variety of compounds was evaluated in the selected studies, as most of them tested product blends. The most frequently phytogenic additives tested individually were oregano and garlic. However, neither influenced the analyzed performance parameters compared with the control treatments (with or without AGP). Phytogenic additives linearly reduced (P<0.01) weight gain and feed efficiency when lysine intake was higher than the requirements, i.e., their effects were more significant when the experimental diets were deficient in lysine. Other methodological limitations are listed, particularly the absence of essential details about the methodology and treatments in the experimental design, and few studies included health challenges. In summary, further studies in this field are needed; however, future trials should test the synergistic effects of phytogenic additives (experimental designs including individual and combined compounds), as well as their dose-response in pig performance.

Beneficial Effects of Phytogenic Feed Additives on Epithelial Barrier Integrity in an In Vitro Co-Culture Model of the Piglet Gut.

Industrial farming of livestock is increasingly focused on high productivity and performance. As a result, concerns are growing regarding the safety of food and feed, and the sustainability involved in their production. Therefore, research in areas such as animal health, welfare, and the effects of feed additives on animals is of significant importance. In this study, an in vitro co-culture model of the piglet gut was used to investigate the effects of two phytogenic feed additives (PFA) with similar compositions. Intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) were co-cultivated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) to model the complex porcine gut environment in vitro. The effects of treatments on epithelial barrier integrity were assessed by means of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in the presence of an inflammatory challenge. Protective effects of PFA administration were observed, depending on treatment duration and the model compartment. After 48 h, TEER values were significantly increased by 12-13% when extracts of the PFA were applied to the basolateral compartment (p < 0.05; n = 4), while no significant effects on cell viability were observed. No significant differences in the activity of a PFA based mainly on pure chemical compounds versus a PFA based mainly on complex, natural essential oils, and extracts were found. Overall, the co-culture model was used successfully to investigate and demonstrate beneficial effects of PFAs on intestinal epithelial barrier function during an inflammatory challenge in vitro. In addition, it demonstrates that the two PFAs are equivalent in effect. This study provides useful insights for further research on porcine gut health status even without invasive in vivo trials.

PSVI-9 Effects of Phytogenic Feed Additives on Growth Performance in Nursery Pigs

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to demonstrate the effects of adding a phytogenic feed additive (PFA; Digestarom Sow, BIOMIN America Inc.) on growth performance of nursery pigs compared with a carbadox feeding program. Newly weaned pigs were randomly allotted into a control (added carbadox) or PFA treatment. A total of 144 (6.10 ± 0.20 kg of BW, Exp. 1) and 600 pigs (6.18 ± 0.03 kg of BW, Exp. 2) were randomly allotted to 2 treatments. Pigs were fed three nursery diets over 42 d (Exp. 1) or 40 d (Exp. 2). Pigs were fed diets containing carbadox (CON, 25 g/ton in Exp. 1 and 50 g/ton in Exp. 2) from phase 1 to 2 and fed diets containing 0.015% PFA from phase 1 to 3 in both experiments. Body weight and feed disappearance were recorded at the end of each phase. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS. Pigs fed carbadox had a greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) Gain:Feed in phase 1 (Exp. 1) and in phase 2 (Exp. 2), respectively. However, Gain:Feed of pigs fed PFA was greater (P &amp;lt; 0.05) than feeding carbadox in phase 3 in Exp. 2. No differences were found between the 2 treatments in either of the experiments in overall period. In conclusion, PFA (Digestarom Sow) supplementation resulted in similar growth performance when compared with a carbadox feeding program during the post-weaning period.

PSVI-4 Effect of Phytogenic Feed Additives on Ammonia Emission in Finishing Swine

Abstract Two independent studies were conducted to evaluate the effects of a commercially available phytogenic feed additive (essential oils blend and saponins) to reduce ammonia (NH3) emission in finishing swine. In each experiment, 72 barrows and gilts (Exp. 1: 30.7±3.35kg; Exp. 2: 26.2±1.85kg) were used during 110 and 77 d, respectively. In each experiment, pigs were housed in 8 gas-tight sealed chambers under controlled climatic conditions. Each chamber had three pens with a fully slatted floor. Pigs were allotted into 24 pens (3 pigs/pen). Treatments were assigned to the chambers (4 chambers/treatment). Dietary treatments were: 1) Control, and 2) Phytogenics (100g/MT AromexPro, Delacon Biotechnik GmbH). Diets were offered ad libitum and in mash form. Ammonia emissions were measured during the last 14 d of the experimental period of each study. Ammonia emissions were calculated per chamber as the experimental unit. Air NH3 concentration in the chambers was measured by a Photoacoustic Gas Monitor System INNOVA every 13 minutes. The ventilation rate of each chamber was used to calculate the emission rate. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. In Exp. 1, the phytogenics treatment significantly reduced by 19.5% the daily NH3 produced per animal, and by 20% the NH3 emission per kg body weight gained compared with the control treatment (12.94 vs. 16.07 g NH3/animal/day, P &amp;lt; 0.001 and 13.73 vs. 17.23 g NH3/kg BWG, P = 0.011). Similar findings were observed in Exp. 2, the phytogenic treatment significantly reduced by 19.8% the daily NH3 produced per animal and by 21% the NH3 emission per kg BWG compared with the control treatment (14.40 vs. 17.95 g NH3/animal/day, P = 0.01 and 13.58 vs. 17.18 g NH3/kg BWG, P = 0.01). In conclusion, the results suggest that the phytogenic feed additive used in the present studies can be implemented as a nutritional strategy to reduce NH3 emissions in finishing swine.

Effects of phytogenic feed additives on the reproductive performance of animals.

The reproductive performance of ruminants is economically significant, and its improvement is a primary goal of the livestock industry to ensure its sustainability. Several approaches have been developed to use phytogenics as feed additives for several proposes, such as reducing methane emissions, and as an alternative to antibiotics. Phytogenics have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and metabolism-regulatory properties, and they are present at high levels in animal feeds. This current review considers the potential use of medicinal herbs on the reproductive performance of animals. The influence of diet on the fertility complications commonly noted in ruminants is of global interest. Although the effects of phytogenics on ruminant digestion and absorption are well-explored, their impact on reproductive performance remains poorly investigated. This review focuses on the influence of phytogenics on semen quality, hormonal profiles, and hematobiochemical indices in male ruminants. Based on available data, phytogenics are perceived to improve oocyte quality, reproductive performance, and pregnancy. However, further more comprehensive research on the benefits and potential hazards of the use of phytogenics is required to improve reproductive performance in ruminants.

PSIV-11 Effects of Phytogenic Feed Additives on Growth Performance Traits of Finishing Swine

Abstract This study was conducted at a commercial research facility and utilized 1,092 finishing pigs (PIC® 337 × Camborough®) in a RCBD with 3 dietary treatments to determine the effects of commercially available phytogenic feed additives on growth performance traits in finishing swine for the last 35 d prior to marketing. The dietary treatments were as follows: 1) Control; 2) Aromex Pro® (AP; Delacon) fed at 0.01%; and 3) Ambitine® (AM; PMI) fed at 0.1%. Pens with 13 pigs/pen and 0.66 m2/pig were randomly allotted to treatments on the basis of live weight and gender. Pigs had ad libitum access to corn-soy diets that met or exceeded the pig’s requirements (NRC, 2012). Aromex Pro® and Ambitine® were added to the diets at the expense of corn. Dietary treatments started on day 0 (BW = 97.7 kg; SEM = 1.04) and were fed throughout the 35 d trial period. On d 21, the two heaviest pigs per pen were marketed, while the remaining pigs in each pen were marketed on d 35. Pigs and feeders were weighed on d 0, 21, and 35. Data were analyzed by using PROC MIXED of SAS® version 9.4, and pen was the experimental unit. The model included the fixed effect of treatment and random effect of replicate. Pre-planned orthogonal contrasts were used to compare AP vs. Control and AM vs. Control. Feeding AP or AM for the last 35 d in finishing both improved (P &amp;lt; 0.05) ADG by 4%, ADFI by 3% and final BW by 1.6 kg over Control, but did not change feed to gain or mortality. These data demonstrate that phytogenic feed additives can improve growth performance traits in finishing swine.

Phytogenics (Lemon and orange peels) influenced the performance, gut morphology and blood profile of broiler chickens

This study evaluated the effect of phytogenic feed additives (Lemon peel, LP and Orange peel, OP) added singly or in combination to basal diets on the performance, gut morphology, haematology, serum biochemistry and lipid profile of broiler chickens. Four nutritionally adequate Corn-Soybean based diets were generated by the addition of LPand/or OPto basal diet. A total of 320, 1-d-old Marshall strain broiler chicks were given the basal diet supplemented with no additive (T1), 500g/tonne of LP (T2), OP (T3), or LP+OP (T4) in a study which lasted for 42 days. Growth performance was assessed weekly while gut and blood samples were collected at d 42 for examination. Data generated were analyzed using ANOVA with a P&lt;0.05 level of significance. Results showed that chickens fed diets supplemented with LP and OP had similar (P&gt;0.05) growth performance compared with the control group. Higher (P&lt;0.05) duodenal and jejunal villus height were observed in chickens fed LP and OP, respectively. Phytogenics inclusion caused reduced (P&lt;0.05) laminal propria depth at the ileum segment. Higher (P&lt;0.05) PCV (30.00%), total protein (6.89 g/L) and albumin (3.67 g/L) were observed in chickens on LP+OP. Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) and RBC were not affected by the treatments imposed. Serum creatinine, uric acid and liver enzymes (AST and ALT) activity were reduced (P&lt;0.05) with inclusion of LP and OP in broiler diets. Increase (P&lt;0.05) HDL and decrease total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides were observed in broilers fed LP and OP. Dietary inclusion of LP and OP had positive influence on gut morphology, RBC production, plasma protein reserves and lipid profile of broiler chickens.

184 Effects of phytogenic feed additives and Ractopamine HCl on growth performance and carcass characteristics in grow-finish pigs

Abstract The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of a phytogenic feed additive (PFA-F, Digestarom® Finish, BIOMIN America Inc.) on growth performance and carcass characteristics of grow-finish pigs compared to a control, two commercial PFA products (A and B), and a ractopamine feeding program. Two hundred pigs (Choice Genetics, BW = 24.88 ± 0.53 kg) were randomly allotted to 5 dietary treatments and fed diets based on 4 dietary phases. Dietary treatments consisted of: CON, a corn-soybean meal based diet; RAC, 4.5 ppm Ractopamine HCl was added into CON for the last 21 d; PFA-A (commercial product A) was added into CON when pigs reached 90 kg of BW; PFA-B (commercial product B) was added into CON from 75 kg of BW; PFA-F was added into CON from the beginning (25 kg of BW). Body weight and feed disappearance were recorded at the end of each phase, and carcass traits were measured at the end of the trial. Data were analyzed using the Mixed procedure of SAS. No differences were observed from phase 1 to phase 3 among the treatments. At the end of phase 4, RAC had a higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) BW than the CON, PFA-A, or PFA-B (127.5 vs.123.1 or 121.5 kg); however, no difference between RAC and PFA-F in BW (127.5 vs.124.0 kg) was found. Pigs fed PFA-F had a higher (P &amp;lt; 0.05) hot carcass weight than those of fed CON or PFA-B (93.0 vs. 88.8 or 88.8 kg). No differences were found in lean percentage, fat depth, and loin depth among the treatments. In conclusion, PFA-F (Digestarom Finish) supplementation resulted in similar growth performance and hot carcass weight when compared to a Ractopamine feeding program during the grow-finish period, whereas either commercial product A or B had significantly lower performance than feeding Ractopamine.

Physio-immunological responses of Labeo rohita fingerlings to commonly used phytogenic feed additives: A comparative evaluation

Aim: The present experiment was undertaken to compare digestive, metabolic, antioxidant enzyme activities and immuno-biochemical responses in Labeo rohita fingerlings to some commonly used phytogenic feed additives. Methodology: Eleven experimental diets were prepared by supplementing fennel, coriander, cumin, fenugreek seed, turmeric, black pepper, peeled ginger, bay leaf, peeled onion bulb or peeled garlic clove meal at 1% inclusion level along with a control diet. Four hundred and ninety-five fingerlings (average weight 6.45±0.01 g) were distributed randomly in eleven experimental groups in triplicates with a stocking density of 15 fish per tank (400 l of water). Results: Turmeric, garlic or ginger meals appeared to be more effective than onion, fenugreek, cumin, coriander, fennel, black pepper and bay leaf meals for enhancing digestive, metabolic, antioxidant enzyme activities and innate immune functions. The physio-metabolic effects of phytogenic feed additives tested in Labeo rohita fingerlings were in the order of turmeric &gt; garlic &gt; ginger &gt; onion &gt; fenugreek &gt; cumin &gt; coriander &gt; fennel &gt; black pepper &gt; bay leaf meal. Interpretation: The enhanced digestive and metabolic enzyme activities, antioxidant function, glucose homeostasis and improved innate immune function through modulation of the haemato-biochemical profile of Labeo rohita due to feeding of specific functional compounds present in turmeric, ginger and garlic meals compare to other phytogenic additives.

How Is the Effect of Phytogenic Feed Supplementation Tested in Heat Stressed Pigs? Methodological and Sampling Considerations

Climate change will lead to increasingly hot summers where the temperature rises above the thermoneutral range of pigs; as a result, they get exposed to heat stress. One of the most damaging consequences of long-lasting heat stress is oxidative stress arising from the increasing level of reactive oxygen species. In order to eliminate oxidative stress, metabolites that are needed for maintaining life and growth may get depleted, which, in chronic cases in particular, negatively affects the economy of meat production. The effect of plant-originated phytogenic feed additives with high antioxidant content may be beneficial to pigs in reducing the effects of oxidative stress induced by heat stress. In this study, a range of methods that assess the effects of phytogenic feed additives on heat stress are reviewed. The main focus is presenting an overview of the investigational possibilities of the antioxidative system and feed uptake and utilization via traditional methods and molecular biological investigations. Furthermore, methodological aspects of sampling are taken into consideration in order to select the best methods for determining the effect of phytogenic feed supplementation on heat-stressed pigs.

Antibiyotiğe Alternatif Olarak Fitojenik Yem Katkı Maddelerinin Broiler Performansı ve Karkas Özelliklerine Etkisi

This study conducted to determine the effect of phytogenic feed additives as natural feed supplements with comparing avilamycin feed additive broiler performance and various carcass characteristics. For this aim possible effects of the phytogenic feed additives and avilamycin feed additives as a feed additive on live body weight (LBW), body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass weight (CW), abdominal fat (AF) and liver weight (LW) characterization of broiler chickens. A total of 252 broilers chick (ROSS 308) were selected and divided into 7 treatments and 3 replicates based on completely randomized design (CRD). 3-day-old chicks are reared for 42 days. The limited amount of feed was provided whilst water was supplied ad-libitum. Each treatment contained three replicates of 12 birds. Each group of birds was supplied with 0. 10%, 0.15% and 0.20% of either phytogenic feed additives or avilamycin as feed additives as feed additive and control group was supplied with neither phytogenic feed additives nor avilamycin in their ratio. Data of LBW, BWG, FCR, and FI were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and means compared using multiple range test in Statistical Analysis System Programs. Means LBW, BWG, FI, FCR, CW, AF and LW against T6 phytogenic feed additives (PFA) were significantly higher for broilers in other groups. However, they were non-significant effect on the carcass weight, carcass yield, and abdominal fat. Results of the present study suggested that feeding phytogenic feed additives tends to improve the growth performance of the broilers and FCR.

Effects of phytogenic feed additives, probiotic and mannan-oligosaccharides on performance, blood metabolites, meat quality, intestinal morphology, and microbial population of Japanese quail

ABSTRACT1. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) and dill (Anethum graveolens) essential oils (AEO and DEO, respectively), probiotic (PRO) and mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS) on the growth performance, serum metabolites, meat quality, intestinal morphology and microbial populations of Japanese quail.2. A total of 375 one-day-old Japanese quail were randomly allocated into five treatment groups with five replicates of 15 birds each for a 42 d feeding experiment. The dietary treatments were a basal diet (control) or the same diet supplemented with PRO (0.15 g/kg feed), MOS (2 g/kg feed), AEO (0.25 g/kg feed) or DEO (0.25 g/kg feed).3. AEO, MOS, and PRO supplementation increased weight gain, while diets supplemented with AEO decreased feed intake (FI), and improved feed conversion ratio from d 1 to 21 (P < 0.05). The relative weight of the gizzard was higher in birds supplemented with AEO compared to control group, while the birds fed MOS diet had the longest intestine (P < 0.05). Ceca length was greater in control, MOS and PRO groups (P < 0.05). Both essential oils decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration of breast meat and percentage of cooking loss in quail (P < 0.05). The villus length (VL) was greater in birds fed diet supplemented with MOS, AEO, and DEO (P < 0.05).The population of E.coli decreased in Japanese quail fed MOS, while Lactobacilli spp. count was increased in the MOS group (P < 0.05).4. In conclusion, AEO, MOS, and PRO supplementation exhibited a positive effect on growth performance, while lipid peroxidation of the meat decreased in birds fed AEO and DEO diets. The intestinal morphometric indices increased in quail fed the AEO, MOS, and DEO diets. Supplementation with MOS modulated intestinal microbial populations of the Japanese quail.

Immune status and haemato-biochemical profile of buffalo calves supplemented with phytogenic feed additives rich in tannins, saponins and essential oils.

The present study was performed to ascertain the synergistic effects of phytogenic feed additives (PFA-7) supplementation on immune status and haemato-biochemical profile of buffalo calves. The PFA-7 is a mixture of neem seed cake (Azadirachta indica), mahua seed cake (Madhuca longifolia), fennel seed (Foeniculum vulgare), harad (Terminalia chebula), fruit pulp of bahera (Terminalia bellirica), fruit pulp of amla (Phyllanthus emblica) and ajwain seed (Trachyspermum ammi) mixed in 2:2:2:1:1:1:1 proportion. Male buffalo calves (n = 21) having similar age and body weight were allotted to three groups in a completely randomised design. The dietary treatments were viz. T1: control (without PFA-7) and T2 and T3: provided with PFA-7 at 2 and 4% of dry matter intake (DMI), respectively, plus sodium sulphate at 0.06% of DMI. The feeding trial was carried out for 4months, and serum isolation was done on days 0, 60 and 120 post-feeding. The concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase increased, whereas cortisol and glucose decreased in the supplemented groups as compared to the control. The levels of triglycerides, urea, albumin/globulin ratio, calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were not affected by the supplementation of PFA-7. Both cell-mediated and humoral immune response increased in the supplemented groups. The results revealed that PFA-7 positively impacted haemato-biochemical profile and both cellular and humoral immunity of the growing calves. The PFA-7 can be used as an alternative for chemical feed additives in the diet of growing calves.

Effects of phytogenic feed additives on cellular oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in intestinal porcine epithelial cells1.

Due to increasing concerns about the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in livestock production and their complete ban in the European Union in 2006, suitable alternatives are urgently needed. Among others, anti-inflammatory activities of AGP are discussed as their putative mode of action. As numerous phytochemicals are known to modulate the cellular antioxidant capacity and immune response, we studied the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of a phytogenic (plant-derived) feed additive (PFA) in intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2). The effects of the PFA were compared with those of selected phytogenic ingredients (grape seed extract [GRS], licorice extract [LIC], menthol [MENT], methyl salicylate [MES], oak bark extract [OAK], oregano essential oil [ORE], and a plant powder mix [PLA]), and with the effects of the AGP tylosin (TYL). Oxidative or inflammatory stress was induced by stimulating IPEC-J2 with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; 0.5 mM) or tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α; 10 ng/mL), respectively. The antioxidative effects of feed additives were assessed with a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-sensitive probe and by measuring the expression of 6 antioxidative target genes via quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). Anti-inflammatory potential was analyzed using a nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) reporter gene assay. Moreover, the expression levels of 6 NF-κB target genes were measured using RT-qPCR analysis, and the release of IL-6 was analyzed via ELISA. Significant decreases in cellular ROS upon H2O2 treatment were observed for the PFA (P < 0.001), LIC (P < 0.001), ORE (P < 0.05), and GRS (P < 0.01). No significant changes in the expression of antioxidative genes were found. NF-κB activation upon TNF-α treatment was significantly inhibited by the PFA (P < 0.05) and by ORE (P < 0.001). Moreover, the PFA and ORE significantly reduced the gene expression of IL-6 (P < 0.001), IL-8 (P < 0.001), and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2; P < 0.05), as well as the release of IL-6 (P < 0.05). The other phytogenic compounds as well as the AGP TYL did not significantly affect any of the inflammatory parameters. In summary, we revealed the antioxidative properties of the PFA, LIC, ORE, and GRS, as well as anti-inflammatory properties of the PFA and ORE in IPEC-J2, providing a better understanding of the mode of action of this PFA under our experimental conditions.

The effect of phytogenic feed additives on the performance, meat quality and coccidial infection rates of rabbits

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of herbal supplementation on rabbits’ health and production parameters. In experiment with herbal food additives, at 90 days of age animals fed with phytogenic additives (oregano, garlic and rosemary) had higher body weight compared to the group fed with coccidiostat. In experiment with herbal water additives (garlic extract or oregano) the phytobiotic supplementation had no effect on weight gains of animals. The highest body weight on slaughter day was obtained by rabbits drank water with garlic extract. Parasitological tests performed at 91 days of age showed that lowest average number of coccidia oocysts per gram of faeces (OPG) in “garlic” group (48.0 OPG) and the highest in control group (308.6 OPG). The research showed that feed with herbal supplementation is willingly eaten by rabbits, contributes to faster weight gains and has a positive effect on meat quality.