Effects Of Phytogenic Feed Additives Research Articles

Assessing the Effects of Phytogenic Feed Additives on Broilers during a Necrotic Enteritis Challenge

Subclinical necrotic enteritis (NE) is an enteric disease that inflicts significant economic losses in the poultry industry, primarily by reducing performance in commercial flocks but without significant mortality. This study evaluated the effects of a variety of phytogenic blends on broilers’ performance and carcass composition during an induced NE challenge. In this study, 1120 day (d)-old male broilers were allocated to four treatments groups (14 replicate floor pens, 20 birds/pen): the control (CONT) group, fed a basal corn-soybean diet, and three phytogenic blend dietary additives (PHYTO1, PHYTO2, and PHYTO3) added to the basal diet at 150, 250, and 500 mg/kg feed, respectively. Subclinical NE was induced by spraying a concentrated coccidiosis vaccine onto the feed and litter 24 h post-placement. On day 8, two birds/pen were necropsied for NE lesions. On days 8, 14, 28, and 42, the average daily gain (ADG), feed intake (ADFI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. On day 42, two birds/pen were euthanized to assess carcass composition using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Statistical analyses for all data were performed using the ANOVA procedure (JMP, Pro 16) and significance (p ≤ 0.05) between treatments was determined by the LSD test. There was no effect of treatment on NE lesions. PHYTO1, PHYTO2, and PHYTO3 significantly improved FCR from days 9 to 14, 0 to 14, and 0 to 42 and resulted in greater ADG from days 9 to 14, 29 to 42 and cumulatively on days 0 to 42. Carcass composition data revealed a numerically higher lean-to-fat ratio in the PHYTO groups compared to the CONT group. These results indicate that the dietary supplementation of phytogenic blends could alleviate the adverse effects of NE challenge on broilers’ performance and carcass composition.

Terminalia bellirica and Andrographis paniculata dietary supplementation in mitigating heat stress-induced behavioral, metabolic and genetic alterations in broiler chickens

BackgroundHeat stress (HS) is one of the most significant environmental stressors on poultry production and welfare worldwide. Identification of innovative and effective solutions is necessary. This study evaluated the effects of phytogenic feed additives (PHY) containing Terminalia bellirica and Andrographis paniculata on behavioral patterns, hematological and biochemical parameters, Oxidative stress biomarkers, and HSP70, I-FABP2, IL10, TLR4, and mTOR genes expression in different organs of broiler chickens under chronic HS conditions. A total of 208 one-day-old Avian-480 broiler chicks were randomly allocated into four treatments (4 replicate/treatment, 52 birds/treatment): Thermoneutral control treatment (TN, fed basal diet); Thermoneutral treatment (TN, fed basal diet + 1 kg/ton feed PHY); Heat stress treatment (HS, fed basal diet); Heat stress treatment (HS, fed basal diet + 1 kg/ton feed PHY).ResultsThe findings of the study indicate that HS led to a decrease in feeding, foraging, walking, and comfort behavior while increasing drinking and resting behavior, also HS increased red, and white blood cells (RBCs and WBCs) counts, and the heterophile/ lymphocyte (H/L) ratio (P < 0.05); while both mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were decreased (P < 0.05). In addition, HS negatively impacted lipid, protein, and glucose levels, liver and kidney function tests, and oxidative biomarkers by increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreasing reduced glutathion (GSH) activity (P < 0.05). Heat stress (HS) caused the upregulation in HSP70, duodenal TLR4 gene expression, and the downregulation of I-FABP2, IL10, mTOR in all investigated tissues, and hepatic TLR4 (P < 0.05) compared with the TN treatment. Phytogenic feed additives (PHY) effectively mitigated heat stress’s negative impacts on broilers via an improvement of broilers’ behavior, hematological, biochemical, and oxidative stress biomarkers with a marked decrease in HSP70 expression levels while all tissues showed increased I-FABP2, IL10, TLR4, and mTOR (except liver) levels (P < 0.05).ConclusionPhytogenic feed additives (PHY) containing Terminalia bellirica and Andrographis paniculata have ameliorated the HS-induced oxidative stress and improved the immunity as well as the gut health and welfare of broiler chickens.

Effect of thyme, ginger, and their nano-particles on growth performance, carcass characteristics, meat quality and intestinal bacteriology of broiler chickens

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of thyme, ginger, and their nano-particles, as alternatives to antibiotic growth promotors (AGP), on productive performance, carcass traits, meat quality and gut health of broiler chickens. A total of 270 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed into 6 groups, each consisting of 3 replicates (n = 15 chicks/replicate). The birds in group 1 were fed the control diet which contained neither antibiotic growth promotors nor phytogenic feed additives (PFA). Birds in group 2 were fed diets containing 0.05% of AGP (Bacitracin methylene disalicylate). Chicks in group 3 and 4 were fed diets supplemented with 1.0% of thyme and ginger, respectively, whereas birds in group 5 and 6 were offered diets including 0.10% of nano-thyme and nano-ginger, respectively. The experiment lasted for 35 days. It was found that thyme and ginger with their nano-products, like the antibiotic, improved the body weight, weight gain and feed conversion rate of birds. The effect of ginger and nano-ginger on body weight and weight gain was greater than other treatments. During the overall feeding period, the feed cost of production was the highest in antibiotic group, but was the lowest in ginger and nano-ginger treatments. There was no effect of dietary treatments on carcass yield or organs weight except bursa of Fabricius and abdominal fat. Thyme, ginger and their nano-composites increased the weight of bursa and reduced the abdominal fat amount. The phytogenic additives and their nano-particles improved the colour, water holding capacity, and flavor of meat. Moreover, these additives reduced the total intestinal bacterial count as well as the total aerobic mesophilic count of meat. The effect of PFA and their nano-particles on the bacterial count was similar to that of antibiotic. In conclusion, thyme and ginger with their nano- particles can be considered as promising agents in feeding of broilers to improve the growth performance, gut health and meat quality. Moreover, these additives can be used as alternatives to AGP to overcome its health hazards and the high cost. The nanotechnology of herbal plants enables them to be added in smaller amounts in poultry diets with producing the same effect of raw ingredients, and this could be due to the higher bioavailability.

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.

This study was to investigate effects of different phytogenic feed additives (PFA) in grower finishing pigs with stressed by high stocking density. A total of 84 growing pigs ([Landrace × Yorkshire] × Duroc) with initial body weight (BW) of 28.23 ± 0.21 kg were used for 10 weeks (4 replicate pens with 3 pigs per pen). The dietary treatment consisted of basal diets in animal welfare density (positive control [PC]), basal diet in high stocking density (negative control [NC]), NC + 0.04% bitter citrus extract (PT1), NC + 0.01% microencapsulated blend of thymol & carvacrol (PT2), NC + 0.10% mixture of 40% bitter citrus extract and 10% microencapsulated blend of thymol and carvacrol (PT3), NC + 0.04% premixture of grape seed and grape marc extract, green tea and hops (PT4), and NC + 0.10% fenugreek seed powder (PT5). The reduction of space allowance significantly decreased (p < 0.05) growth performance (average daily gain, average daily feed intake, feed efficiency) and nutrient digestibility (dry matter, crude protein). Also, the fecal score of NC group increased (p < 0.05) compared with other groups. In blood profiles, lymphocyte decreased (p < 0.05), and neutrophil, cortisol, TNF-α increased (p < 0.05) when pigs were in high stocking density. Basic behaviors (feed intake, standing, lying) were inactive (p < 0.05) and singularity behavior (biting) were increased (p < 0.05) under high stocking density. However, PFA groups alleviated the negative effects such as reducing growth performance, nutrient digestibility, increasing stress indicators in blood and animal behavior. In conclusion, PFA groups improved the health of pigs with stressed by high stocking density and PT3 is the most effective.

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.