Effects Of Phytogenic Feed Additives Research Articles

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.

EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION OF CINNAMON AND CURCUMIN ON PERFORMANCE, CARCASS TRAITS, HUMORAL IMMUNE RESPONSES, AND BLOOD SERUMMETABOLITES IN GROWING RABBITS

A total of seventy-two V-line rabbits of both sexes, 5 weeks old, with initial weights of 639.4 ±.25.97 g were used for the study. Rabbits were randomly allocated to 6 treatment groups, each of which included 4 replicates of 3 rabbits. The experiment lasted for 6 weeks to be finished at 11 weeks of age and dietary treatments were as follows: 1) Control (basal diet); 2) basal diet+ 100 mg/kg antibiotictylosin; 3) basal diet+ 0.5 g /kg turmeric (as a source of curcumin); 4) basal diet+ 1.0 g/kg turmeric; 5) basal diet+ 0.5 g/kg cinnamon; 6) basal diet+ 1.0 g /kg cinnamon. The results showed that there were significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences in body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio among treatments and the control group. The highest body weight and weight gain values and the best feed conversion ratio were recorded in the groups given 1.0 g /kg diet turmeric or cinnamon. The highest feed intake values were observed in the control and Tyrosin fed groups, while the lowest feed intake values was recorded in cinnamon fed group. Tylosin, cinnamon and turmeric supplementation significantly (P ≤ 0.05) improved digestibility of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE and NFE and also, improved the nutritive values of nutrients as TDN and DCP in comparison with control. General significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in RBCs, Hb and PCV % due to the different feed additives in comparison with control group. Serum lipid profile improved by phytogenic feed additives compared with tylosin and control groups. Phytogenic feed additives reduced Malondialdehyde (P ≤ 0.05), while, increased total antioxidant capacity concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activities. Immunostimulatory effects of phytogenic feed additives were recorded. In conclusion, we state that cinnamon and turmeric could have beneficial effects on performance, digestibility, immunomodulatory and play an important role as an exogenous antioxidant.

The effect of phytogenic feed additives to substitute in-feed antibiotics on growth traits and blood biochemical parameters in broiler chicks challenged with Salmonella typhimurium.

There is a growing concern over the use of antibiotics due to the increased resistance of pathogens in broiler. The present study was designed to find the comparative effect of an antibiotic, and some phytogenic on performance traits, blood biochemical parameters, and antioxidant status during starter phase exposed to Salmonella typhimurium challenge. A total of 560-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated to seven treatments (eight replicates). Control (basal diet); T1, infected with Salmonella enterica subsp. typhimurium; T2, infected + avilamycin at the rate of 0.2g/kg; T3, infected + essential oil of thymol; T4, infected + phytogenic; T5, infected + anti-Salmonellaorganic acid; and T6, infected + essential oils of thyme, anise, and other components. Body weight gain and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were significantly (P<0.05) high in the T2 and T5 at the end of the first and the second weekand similar to T4. During the second week, European production efficiency factor (EPEF) was also significantly (P<0.05) high in T2, T4 and T5. Blood albumin increased significantly (P<0.05) in birds of T2 in the first week, while during the second week, blood glucose and triglyceride concentration decreased significantly (P<0.05) in T5. Blood ALT concentration decreased significantly (P<0.05) in T6 compared to other treatments in the second week. Total antioxidant capacity (at the end of the second week) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) did not change significantly. From the results of the present study, it was concluded that different feed additives could be substituted with antibiotics in the feed of broiler exposed to S. typhimurium challenge.

An in vitro cell culture model using IPEC-J2 to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of phytogenic feed additives

An in vitro cell culture model using IPEC-J2 to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of phytogenic feed additives

Effects of phytogenic feed additives on growth performance and on ammonia and greenhouse gases emissions in growing-finishing pigs

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of two commercial phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) on growth performance and emissions of ammonia, methane, nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide compared to an unsupplemented control. The two tested commercial PFAs contained either essential oils or a mixture of essential oils and dried herbs and spices. In addition, both PFAs delivered the same amount of Quillaja saponaria saponins to the final feed, although dosage of the products differed. The PFAs were included in cereal-based grower and finisher diets via premixes. For negative control diet a placebo premix was used. The diets were fed to a total of 81 castrated male growing-finishing pigs (45–114kg body weight, 27 per treatment) that were kept in nine gas-tight sealed chambers, each with three pens with fully slatted floors (three pigs per pen). The whole experiment lasted 72 days. Pigs were individually weighted and the feed consumption of pigs was recorded per pen at day 0, 24 and 72 of the experiment. From day 24 to day 72 (48 days) emission measurement took place.The inclusion of the PFAs significantly improved average daily feed intake (P=0.010) and average daily gain (P=0.018) of pigs over the whole trial period of 72 days compared to the negative control. Feed conversion ratio was not affected by the treatments (P>0.05). Pigs that were fed with the PFAs had 3.6% higher final body weight (P=0.017) compared to the negative control. The inclusion of the PFAs reduced ammonia emissions per animal per day (P=0.003) as well as per kg body weight gain of pigs (P<0.001) on average by 21% and 26%, respectively, and tended to reduce carbon dioxide emissions per kg body weight gain (P=0.092) on average by 9% compared to the negative control. Methane and nitrous gas emissions were not affected by the inclusion of the PFAs (P>0.05).In summary, it might be speculated that the observed increased intake and consequently higher growth was mediated via flavoring properties of the PFAs, irrespective of differences in composition. The reduction of ammonia emissions most probably was due to the inclusion of the quillaja saponins in the PFAs. It can be concluded that the tested PFAs have a potential as performance enhancers and are useful tools for the reduction of ammonia emissions from pig barns. Further research is warranted to identify the exact modes of action of PFAs.

Effect of Phytogenic Feed Additives in Soybean Meal on In vitro Swine Fermentation for Odor Reduction and Bacterial Community Comparison.

The effect of different phytogenic feed additives on reducing odorous compounds in swine was investigated using in vitro fermentation and analyzed their microbial communities. Soybean meal (1%) added with 0.1% different phytogenic feed additives (FA) were in vitro fermented using swine fecal slurries and anaerobically incubated for 12 and 24 h. The phytogenic FAs used were red ginseng barn powder (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, FA1), persimmon leaf powder (Diospyros virginiana L., FA2), ginkgo leaf powder (Ginkgo biloba L., FA3), and oregano lippia seed oil extract (Lippia graveolens Kunth, OL, FA4). Total gas production, pH, ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitrite-nitrogen (NO2−-N), nitrate-nitrogen (NO3−-N), sulfate (SO4−−), volatile fatty acids (VFA) and other metabolites concentration were determined. Microbial communities were also analyzed using 16S rRNA DGGE. Results showed that the pH values on all treatments increased as incubation time became longer except for FA4 where it decreased. Moreover, FA4 incubated for 12 and 24 h was not detected in NH3-N and H2S. Addition of FAs decreased (p<0.05) propionate production but increased (p<0.05) the total VFA production. Ten 16S rRNA DGGE bands were identified which ranged from 96 to 100% identity which were mostly isolated from the intestine. Similarity index showed three clearly different clusters: I (FA2 and FA3), II (Con and FA1), and III (FA4). Dominant bands which were identified closest to Eubacterium limosum (ATCC 8486T), Uncultured bacterium clone PF6641 and Streptococcus lutetiensis (CIP 106849T) were present only in the FA4 treatment group and were not found in other groups. FA4 had a different bacterial diversity compared to control and other treatments and thus explains having lowest odorous compounds. Addition of FA4 to an enriched protein feed source for growing swine may effectively reduce odorous compounds which are typically associated with swine production.

Phytogenic feed additives in piglets challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium

The effects of phytogenic feed additives on piglet performance and fecal score (FDD), as well as on lipid oxidation of pork meat were evaluated. One hundred and twenty crossbred weaned piglets were randomly assigned to six treatments according to a 2 × 3 factorial design with five replicates per treatment. Factors were: challenge with Salmonella Typhimurium at 35 days of age or no challenge, and three different additives (control (CTR), basal diet; phytogenic feed additives (PHY), basal diet plus 2000 ppm of phytogenic feed additives - Rosmarinus officinalis, Mentha piperita, Lippia sidoides and Porophyllum ruderale; and antimicrobial agent (ATB), basal diet plus 100 ppm of tylosin, 2000 ppm of zinc and colistin sulfate, 30 ppm in the pre-starter basal diet, 10 ppm in the starter basal diet I and II, and 5 ppm in growth and finishing basal diet). Body weight (BW) of the piglets of ATB was greater throughout the experimental period, without any differences detected between CTR and PHY. Nevertheless, from 96 to 106 days of age, the BW of the CTR group was greater than PHY. From 21 to 34 days of age, feed conversion of ATB was lower than CTR; however, PHY showed an intermediate result, which did not differ from either ATB or CTR. Challenged animals reduced feed intake from day 35 to 48 compared with unchallenged animals. Piglet performance and fecal score from 21 to 48 days of age were lower in piglets that received ATB compared with the other treatments. However, from 35 to 48 days of age, the FDD of PHY was lower than CTR. Lipid oxidation was not reduced in treated animals. Antimicrobial agent improved the growth performance of piglets until 63 days of age, and no difference was observed between the treatments from 64 to 131 days of age. Antimicrobial agent reduced FDD; the FDD of PHY was similar to that of ATB after 48 days. None of the treatments affected lipid oxidation of pork meat.

Anthelmintic effects of phytogenic feed additives in Ascaris suum inoculated pigs

Two experiments were performed to determine the anthelmintic effect of some phytogenic feed additives on a mild infection of Ascaris suum in growing and finishing pigs. Usually, an infection of A. suum is controlled by using conventional synthetic drugs. Organic farmers, however, prefer a non-pharmaceutical approach to worm control. Therefore, phytotherapy could be an appropriate alternative. In the first experiment, a commercial available organic starter diet was supplemented with 3% of a herb mixture, adding 1% Thymus vulgaris, 1% Melissa officinalis and 1% Echinacea purpurea to the diet, or with 4% of a herb mixture, thereby adding the mentioned herbs plus 1% Camellia sinensis (black tea). A negative control group (no treatment) and a positive control group (treatment with conventional synthetic drug flubendazole) were included. In the second experiment, the anthelmintic properties against A. suum of three individual herbs, Carica papaya, Peumus boldus and Artemisia vulgaris, each in a dose of 1%, were tested. Pigs were infected with 1000 infective worm eggs each. Each experiment was performed with 32 individually housed growing pigs (8 replicates/treatment), which were monitored for 67 days. It was hypothesized that the herbs would block the cycles of the larvae, thereby preventing the development of adult worms. Therefore, phytogenic feed additives were not supplied during the whole experimental period, but only from the start until D39. Pigs were inoculated with infective worm eggs during five consecutive days (D17–D21). At D67 all pigs were dissected, whereafter livers were checked for the presence of white spots. Also numbers of worms in the small intestine were counted. In experiment 1, the numbers of worm-infected pigs were similar for both the herb supplemented (groups 3 and 4) and the unsupplemented (group 1) treatments (5–6 pigs of 8), while the treatment with flubendazole (group 2) resulted in 0 infected pigs. In experiment 2, herb addition (groups 2–4) did not significantly reduce the number of worm-infected pigs compared to the negative control (group 1). It can be concluded that the tested herb mixtures and individual herbs in the diets of growing and finishing pigs did not decrease the number of pigs which were infected with A. suum, although the herb mixture without black tea and also boldo leaf slightly ( P < 0.10) reduced the number of worms in the intestinal tract. The tested herb mixtures and individual herbs did not affect the performance of the pigs.