Herbal Feed Research Articles

Effect of a Diet Supplemented with Nettle (Urtica dioica L.) or Fenugreek (Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L.) on the Content of Selected Heavy Metals in Liver and Rabbit Meat.

The literature on herbal additives for rabbit feed offers little information on the use of nettle and fenugreek. Both of these herbs are valuable sources of vitamins and minerals. These herbs affect the growth, health, and meat quality of rabbits. They regulate the digestive system, stimulate the appetite, have a positive effect on the functioning of the immune system, and exhibit antibacterial activity. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of nettle (Urtica dioica L.) leaves or fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) seeds in the feed on the content of selected heavy metals in the liver and meat of the rabbit. The rabbits were divided into three groups: group C (n = 20; 10♂ and 10♀) was fed ad libitum with a complete feed, N group (n = 20; 10♂ and 10♀) was fed a complete mixture with 1% added nettle, and group F (n = 20; 10♂ and 10♀) was fed with a complete mixture with 1% added fenugreek. The experiment lasted 7 weeks (from the 35th to the 84th day of the rabbits’ lives). All the rabbits were slaughtered on the 84th day of age, with a body weight of about 2.6 kg. The concentration of heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Mn, Fe, Pb, Cd) was determined by the atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The additives to the feed significantly affected the content of elements in both the liver and the meat of rabbits (p < 0.05). The highest level of the heavy metals, regardless of the used diet, was recorded in the liver (p < 0.05). The meat (m. longissimus lumborum) and the liver of rabbits fed with herbal fodder contained less tested metals than in animals fed with fodder without additives (p < 0.05). Moreover, more essential metals were found in the liver of rabbits fed with fenugreek than rabbits fed with nettle. In the meat and liver of rabbits, the permissible content of cadmium and lead was not exceeded. Additionally, male livers had a significantly higher content of copper and manganese compared to female livers (p < 0.05). It is important to study the content of heavy metals in the used animal herbal feed additives and their interaction with each other, as they affect the distribution of elements in tissues and organs.

Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Selected Medicinal Plant Leaf Extracts Against Pathogens Implicated in Poultry Diseases.

Antimicrobial resistant poultry pathogens are responsible for treatment failure and economic losses, and can also be a source of resistant zoonotic infections representing a risk to human health. In 2006 the European Union banned the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in farm animals and other regions are likely to follow suit. Alternative products and strategies are sought to help maintain animal gut health to reduce the prevalence of pathogens in the food chain. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of organic and aqueous leaf extracts of Alchornea laxiflora, Ficus exasperata, Morinda lucida, Jatropha gossypiifolia, Ocimum gratissimum, and Acalypha wilkesiana were tested against bacterial poultry pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., and fungal species (Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Candida albicans) using a 2-fold serial microdilution method. Activity of extracts against biofilms of the pathogens was done using a modified crystal violet staining in vitro assay. The safety of extracts was determined against Vero and Caco-2 cells using a tetrazolium-based in vitro assay. Acetone and cold water extracts of M. lucida had the best activity against three bacteria (MIC = 0.05–0.07 mg/ml) and two fungal (MIC = 0.03–0.15 mg/ml) organisms, respectively. The E. coli isolate and A. flavus were the most susceptible bacteria and fungi, respectively. Caco-2 cells generally displayed higher selectivity index (SI) values compared to Vero cells and average SI values against Vero and Caco-2 cells for both bacteria and fungi ranged from 0.01 to 4.48 and 0.005 to 16.41, respectively. All plant extracts had good anti-biofilm activity (>50%) against at least one organism. The disruption of established biofilm growth by the plant samples proved to be more difficult to achieve than efficacy against planktonic forms of bacteria. This study shows that some of the plant species are potential candidates as alternative feed additives in poultry production. In the future, a poultry feed trial to evaluate their in vivo efficacy as herbal feed additives will be conducted.

Organoleptic Qualities of Broiler Chicken Meat Given with Herbal Feed with Turmeric

This study aims to determine the organoleptic qualities of broiler chicken meat-fed herbal feed in the form of turmeric. The research was conducted at the Animal Husbandry Department, Pangkajene Islands State Agricultural Polytechnic Campus. The research used a completely randomized design (CRD) with a unidirectional pattern with three treatments and four replications. Each replication consisted of 8 chickens. The treatment arrangements were P0 = conventional feeding and drinking water (control); P1 = Mixing turmeric into feed; P2 = Mixing turmeric in drinking water. The maintenance stage is carried out for approximately 30 days, feed and drink are given ad libitum, and no vaccination program is carried out. Sampling was carried out at the age of approximately 30 days. A total of 2 chickens were taken randomly from each replication in each treatment so that the total sample of the study was 24 chickens then processed into the carcass. The organoleptic test of meat is carried out by cooking a meat sample without salt or seasoning. The panelists used were ten semi-trained (semi-trained) panelists to provide a score for each sample. Organoleptic test results data were analyzed by the Analysis of Variance test for a significant difference followed by the LSD test. The results of the analysis of variance showed that there were no significant differences (P 0.05) in the organoleptic test of color, aroma, the impression of juice (wetness), and level of preference for broiler chicken meat. Still, there were significant differences (P 0.05) in the organoleptic texture test. And the tenderness of broiler chicken. In general, it can be concluded that P2 treatment (Maintenance using turmeric herbs through drinking water) is the best in showing the organoleptic qualities of broiler chicken meat.

The Effect of Herbal Feed Additives in the Diet of Dairy Goats on Intestinal Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) Count.

Simple SummaryThe prohibition on the use of antibiotics in animal nutrition has resulted in the more frequent use of phytobiotics, which are natural medical preparations made from herbs. When used in the nutrition of ruminants, phytobiotic preparations affect the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and the secretion of digestive juices, and also stimulate the development of the intestinal microbiota. Their effect on the development of lactic acid bacteria (LAB), with subsequent effects on the degree of microbial homeostasis in the gastrointestinal tract, is particularly important. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of herbal supplements on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count in the faeces of lactating dairy goats. It was assumed that the specific chemical composition of herbal supplements would positively affect the digestive processes of does, and thus the growth of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) colonies. The research was conducted on dairy goats assigned to five nutrition groups of twelve animals each. The animals in the experimental groups received a supplement made of (seven or nine) herbs at a rate of 20 g or 40 g per animal per day. A statistically significant effect of lactation stage on the intestinal Lactobacillus bacteria count was found. The highest concentration of LAB was found in the group receiving a feed supplement consisting of nine herbs at 20 g per animal per day. A probiotic strain of Lactobacillus fermentum absent from the control goats was identified in the faecal samples of goats that receiving the herbal supplement.Sixty dairy goats of the Polish white improved breed were randomly assigned to five feeding groups of twelve animals each. The animals received a supplement containing seven herbs at 20 or 40 g/animal/day (experimental groups 1 and 2) and a supplement containing nine herbs at 20 or 40 g/animal/day (experimental groups 3 and 4)m, along with pelleted concentrate feed. Group 5 (the control group) received pelleted feed without any herbal supplements. A significant effect of herbal feed additive on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count was observed (p < 0.001). The highest number density of LAB was found in the goats receiving the feed additive with nine herbs at 20 g/animal per day (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant effect of lactation stage on intestinal LAB count (p < 0.001). Regardless of the feeding group, the highest number density of LAB was found in animals at the peak of lactation. The LAB count was also affected by the interaction of diet group × lactation stage (p < 0.0001). A probiotic strain of Lactobacillus fermentum was identified in the faecal samples of goats receiving the herbal additive, but not in the controls. Genetic identification of the microorganisms isolated from the faeces of the experimental goats did not reveal the presence of harmful mould spores, although spores of the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus were detected in the controls.

Herbal Feed Additives for Gonadal Maturity and Breeding Performance of Female Snow Trout (Schizothorax richardsonii) in Captive Condition

Addressing the issue of gonadal maturity and breeding in captive condition for a commercially important indigenous Coldwater fish, snow trout, Schizothorax richardsonii, field study was conducted with dietary supplementation of the blend of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) root powder, dried powder of garlic (Allium sativum), and hing (Ferula asafoetida). Experimental fish of 3 years age were reared in FRP tanks (n = 4) of 1200 L capacity with stocking density of n = 60 in each tank and fed with control (CD) and experimental (TD) diets in duplicate at the feeding rate of 3–5% of their body weight twice in a day. Gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were recorded for annual breeding cycle coupled with breeding indices in breeding season and regular monitoring of water quality parameters. In female stock, the GSI values ranges from 0.87 to 12.83 and 1.84 to 15.42 in control and treated groups, respectively. Two peaks of GSI values reflects the two breeding season of the species during the month of March and September. Similarly, HSI was lowest during the month of March and September in captive reared female fish and highest during the month of May to June and January to February, with similar trend in both, control treated and groups. In captive condition, 80% specimens were observed mature for spawning in treated group, while only 15% females were ready to spawn in control stock. The fecundity of the fish was observed in the range of 20210-23710 eggs/kg body weight with 80–94.2% fertilization rate. The egg size was observed in the range of 3.5–3.8 mm. The study revealed that 1.0% supplementation of blend of herbs in the diet is beneficial for gonadal maturity of females and better spawning of S. richardsonii in captive Coldwater condition.

Efficacy of dietary quercetin supplementation with high-energy diet model in broilers: implications on zootechnical parameters, serum biochemistry, antioxidant status, patho-morphology and gene expression studies

Context Currently, fat supplementation is one of the commonest strategies in poultry production for early economic return. However, it might cause various unidentified metabolic alterations in chickens. Flavonoid compound quercetin has potential to modulate oxidative stress and lipid metabolism. Aim The study was designed to evaluate the effect of dietary quercetin supplementation in broilers challenged with high-energy diet (HED). Methods In total, 192 days old Vencobb-400 broiler chicks were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments with four replicates (12 birds/replicate) per treatment. Four treatments included basal diet without any supplementation (T1), basal diet + quercetin (1 g/kg; T2), HED supplemented with vegetable oil [34 g/kg (2–3 weeks), 35 g/kg (4–6 weeks); T3], HED supplemented with vegetable oil [34 g/kg (2–3 weeks), 35 g/kg (4–6 weeks)] + quercetin (1 g/kg; T4) for the age of 2–3 (starter) and 4–6 (finisher) weeks. Key results Improvement was observed in the growth performance and feed conversion ratio in broilers with the dietary treatments (P ≤ 0.05). HED-supplemented group showed increased levels of metabolic stress, which was explained by the elevated concentrations of cortisol and malondialdehyde, and reduced serum/liver superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity. Moreover, lipotoxicity was found due to the accumulation of fat, and lipid peroxidation caused various injuries to the vital organs such as liver and kidney, which were manifested by histopathological findings, and also upregulated the hepatic inflammatory interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-α mRNA expression in the HED group. HED in combination with quercetin attenuates the altered serum metabolic markers, lipid peroxidation with subsequent rising in endogenous enzyme activity. In addition, it exhibited lipolytic action by lysis of accumulated fat and ameliorated the pathomorphic alteration in vital organs and downregulation of hepatic IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression. Conclusions High dietary energy exhibits metabolic alteration and injuries to the vital organs. It is concluded that quercetin has potential to protect against the adverse effects induced by consumption of high-energy diet in broilers. Implications The supplementation of quercetin as an antioxidant seems to be beneficial for poultry production as an herbal feed additive for better performance, production, and health status.

Bioconversion of Terminalia arjuna bark powder into a herbal feed for Labeo rohita: Can it be a sustainability paradigm for Green Fish production?

Surging demand of fish production for nutritional and livelihood security manifested with irrational use of synthetic growth enhancer and immunostimulants which are fostering the awful health concerned to human being and negatively affecting the beneficial micro-biota in aquatic ecosystem. The need of hour is to use environment friendly herbal therapy, as an alternate to those chemicals and compounds. The Terminalia arjuna is known for its excellent array of ethnomedicinal properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant and was reported to have positive effects on metabolomics of the animals. A 90-day experiment was conducted to ensure effective valorization of Terminalia arjuna bark powder (TABP) based feed in Labeo rohita. Four iso-nitrogenous {305.74 g crude protein (CP)/ kg diet} and iso-caloric {18.15 MJ gross energy (GE)/kg diet} experimental diets were formulated incorporating 0.0, 5.00, 10.00 and 15.0 g TABP /kg feed and designated as TABP0, TABP5, TABP10 and TABP15, respectively. 540 juveniles (average weight, 20.7 g, 45 fish per tank) were randomly stocked in 12 fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) tank (500 L water capacity). Fish were fed twice at 9.30 h and 5.00 h to satiation level. Results of this study revealed the highest growth rates {weight gain percentage (WGP) and specific growth rate (SGR)}, nutrient utilization {protein efficiency ratio (PER), apparent net protein utilization (ANPU), fat retention (FR) and energy retention (ER)} and survival percentage (SRP) in L. rohita at 10 g TABP/ kg feed. While feed conversion ratio (FCR) followed an inverse trend (P < 0.05) to growth rates. Growth rates, feed conversion, and nutrient utilization were similar in TABP0 and TABP15 group (P > 0.05). Viscerosomatic index (VSI) and craniosomatic index (CSI) were significantly affected (P < 0.05) while hepatosomatic index (HSI) was insignificant (P > 0.05). Whole body composition was influenced (P < 0.05) excluding ash content (P > 0.05). RNA content and RNA: DNA ratio were positively correlated to growth rates and nutrient retentions (P < 0.05). Thus, present study advocated that TABP at 12.3 g/kg could be utilized efficiently to produce healthy fish for human consumption thereby called Green Fish. Also, paved a prolific way to produce an effective TABP based medicated feed on large scale, having tried in field conditions individually and with commercial feed.

Herbal Feed Additives for Gonadal Maturity and Milt Quality in Males of Snow Trout (Schizothorax richardsonii)

Herbal Feed Additives for Gonadal Maturity and Milt Quality in Males of Snow Trout (Schizothorax richardsonii)

PENGARUH PENAMBAHAN TEPUNG JAHE MERAH (Zingiber officinale var Rubrum) DALAM PAKAN AYAM BROILER TERHADAP PERTAMBAHAN BOBOT BADAN, KONVERSI PAKAN DAN KONSUMSI PAKAN

ABSTRACT This aim of study was to determined effect of red ginger flour (Zingiber Officinale Var Rubrum) as herbal feed additive in Broiler Chiken on feed comsumption, daily body weight gain and feed conversion ratio.The research was conducted on September – Oktober 2020 at Gisting Atas Village, Gisting District, Tanggamus Regency, Lampung. The experiment used 80 unisex Broiler aged 1 week. They were feed a ration with control ration + 0% red ginger flour (P0), control ration + 0,25% red ginger flour (P1), control ration + 0,5% red ginger flour (P2), control ratio + 0,75% red ginger flour (P3) during 20 days. The control ration containing 21% crude protein and 3108 kkal/kg metabolism energy. The study used a quantitative methods with completely randomized design with 4 treatments and 4 replications. The results showed that the ration had no effect (P&gt; 0,05) on feed comsumption, daily weight gain and conversion ratio. The conclution of the research showed that the addition of level red ginger flour (Zingiber Officinale Var Rubru) until 0,75% as herbal feed additive in Broiler Chiken no effect on feed comsumption, daily body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Keywords: Red ginger flour, Broiler, Feed Comsumption, Daily Weight Gain, Feed Conversion Ratio.

Effect of herbal feed additives on intake, rumen fermentation, availability of nutrients and energetic efficiency of feeds in Barbari kids reared under confined condition

Weaned male Barbari kids (24) were divided equally into three groups (T1, T2 and T3) to investigate the effect of supplementation of herbal feed additives in the complete pelleted feed on intake of nutrients, rumen fermentation, availability of nutrients and energetic efficiency under stall-fed condition during an eight months feeding trial. Treatments were T1, Concentrate mixture (40%) plus arhar (Cajanus cajan) straw (60%) in Total Mixed Ration (TMR) form fed ad lib.; T2, Concentrate mixture (40%) plus arhar straw (60%) in Complete Feed Pellets form fed ad lib.; T3, Concentrate mixture (40%) plus arhar straw (60%) in Complete Feed Pellets form supplemented with herbal mixture (four herbs; Tulsi: Haldi: Amla: Arni, ratio 1:1:1:1 on DM basis) @ 0.5% in complete feed fed ad lib. Rumen fermentation pattern was studied at 3rd and 25th weeks of experimental feeding. A metabolism trial was conducted at the last phase of the experiment. During metabolism trial, DMI (g)/kg W0.75 and CPI (g)/kg W0.75 was greater in kids under T3 and T2 than T1. Pelleted complete feed supplemented with phytogenic feed additives resulted greater total VFA (mmol/dl SRL) concentration in rumen liquor of kids under T3 than TMR fed kids (T1) at three weeks of experimental feeding. The concentration of NH3-N (mg/dl SRL) was depressed significantly in T3 at 3rd and 25th weeks of feeding; T1 showed highest values during both periods. TDN intake (g)/kg W0.75 and Digestible Energy intake (MJ)/kg W0.75 were increased significantly in T3 and T2 than T1. DCP intake (g)/kg W0.75 was also higher in T2 and T3 than T1. Similarly, N-balance (g)/kg W0.75 increased significantly in T3 and T2 than T1. Therefore, it may be concluded that densification of feeds in the form of complete pelleted feed (T2) and further supplementation (@ 0.5% in the complete feed) with herbal mixture (Amla, Haldi, Arni and Tulsi=1:1:1:1 on DM basis) (T3) increased the intakes of DM, TDN, digestible energy and protein; enhanced rumen fermentation pattern, and increased N-balance in finisher Barbari kids.

Chinese Herbal Medicine Formula Guizhi Li-Zhong Tang as an Alternative to Antibiotic Feed Additives for Preventing Pneumonia in Piglets through Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Protection.

Weanling piglets often develop respiratory diseases such as pneumonia because they encounter substantial environmental stress. This study investigated an alternative herbal feed additive, Guizhi Li-Zhong Tang (GLZ), for preventing pneumonia in weanling piglets. An in vitro experiment demonstrated that GLZ has high antioxidant capacity and low cytotoxicity toward Kupffer cells. In addition, GLZ treatment can alleviate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced damage in Kupffer cells. A total of 94 4-week-old piglets were randomly divided into three groups, which received sham treatment, 0.2% Tilmicosin antibiotic (TAB) treatment, or 0.2% GLZ treatment. Piglets receiving the GLZ treatment had a higher survival rate and higher immunoglobulin G levels but lower allergy-related eosinophil levels and cough incidence than did piglets receiving the sham or 0.2% TAB treatments. Through immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, we discovered that piglets receiving the 0.2% GLZ treatment had significantly higher expression of antioxidant-related SOD2 and lower expression of oxidative-stress-related 3-NT (p < 0.01), inflammation-related TNF-α (p < 0.01) and NF-κB (p < 0.05), and apoptosis-related caspase-3 (p < 0.01) in lung tissue than did piglets receiving the sham or 0.2% TAB treatment. Therefore, GLZ treatment is promising as an alternative to antibiotic medicine for weanling piglets because of its protective antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects in lung tissue.

Influence of Feed Supplement ZIGBIR on Biochemical Parameters of Mature Dry Cows

At present, the enterprises of the agro-industrial complex report many cases of cows having liver dysfunctions caused by the failure of metabolic processes. As a rule, in the early stages of the disease, clinical signs are absent; it leads to a productivity decrease, the birth of weak young animals with low adaptive capabilities, and pathologies of the reproductive system. There is a need in drugs and biologically active feed supplements that can prevent and eliminate pathological processes in the liver at early stages, adjusting physiological metabolic processes. The article presents the research results on the use of the herbal feed supplement ZIGBIR having hepatoprotective properties in cows’ diets. Biochemical studies of blood serum have shown a positive effect of the feed supplement on most parameters in relation to physiological norms. Since the studied parameters are referred to as hepatic (they have a diagnostic value for the liver), it is possible to assume an improvement in the functional state of the liver.

Ruminal ammonia concentration and fermentation kinetics of commercial herbal feed additives with amino acids

&#x0D; The objective of this study was to characterize the chemical composition of rumen fermentation while estimating it’s in vitro protein degradation (from ruminal ammonia concentration) and kinetics regarding two herbal feed plant additives. The tested herbal mixtures were elaborated with Phaseolus mango and Linum usitatissimum, providing lysine (Lys) and Trigonella foenum-graecum and Allium sativa, providing Methionine (Met). They were compared to alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and solvent extracted soybean meal (Glicine max), as standard sources of protein using the in vitro gas production technique modified to estimate N-NH3, recording fermentation kinetics and dry matter digestibility (72 h), in a completely randomized design followed by Tukey test. Ruminal ammonia concentration in the herbal mixtures was lower (P&lt;0.05) than in the standard protein sources, indicating that protein from herbal mixtures could resist ruminal degradation. Herbal additives with Lys or Met showed minimum N-NH3 concentration in the first 4 h of incubation. At 8 h, the concentration was 0.27 and 0.54 mg dL-1 for the herbal products with Lys and Met, significantly lower than solvent extracted soybean meal and alfalfa (1.15 and 2.24 mg dL-1 respectively, P&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Highlights&#x0D; &#x0D; The tested herbal mixture elaborated with Phaseolus mango and Linum usitatissimum, provide bypass Lysine.&#x0D; The tested herbal mixture elaborated with Trigonella foenum-graecum and Allium sativa, provide bypass Methionine.&#x0D; Ruminal ammonia concentration in the herbal mixtures was lower than in the standard protein sources.&#x0D; Protein from herbal mixtures could resist ruminal degradation.&#x0D;

Broiler farmers response to use of phytobiotics as substitute antibiotic growth promoters

The research objective was to analyze the characteristics of broiler farmers in the use of herbal feed ingredients as additive feeds, analyze farmers’ culture in applying herbal ingredients in feed and analyze farmer responses to the use of herbal feed ingredients (phytobiotic content) in reducing AGP (Antibiotic Growth Promoter) residues in broiler meat . The study was conducted in the Turen sub-district of Malang Regency. The number of respondents in the study was a total sampling obtained by 157 farmers. Data analysis using quantitative methods with multiple regression. The results showed that factors affecting farmers using phytobiotic-based additive feeds were education level, intrinsic motivation, extension intensity, income, broiler business experience, price of phytobiotic-based additive feed and AGP-based feed prices. The habit of providing AGP-based feed was quite high, but the response to phytobiotics was also high, but in practice there was still little because of the lack of knowledge of farmers to phytobiotic. Socio-economic factors of farmers affect 84.2% of the use of phytobiotics. The culture of antibiotic use was influenced by several factors including farmer education level, farmer income and phytobiotic feed prices. .

Immunomodulation by dietary supplements: A preventive health strategy for sustainable aquaculture of tropical freshwater fish, Labeo rohita (Hamilton, 1822)

AbstractDietary supplementation is an effective strategy for boosting the innate immune response in fishes. It involves the use of functional ingredients that bear the potential for mitigating the deleterious effects of chemotherapeutics (bioaccumulation and development of drug‐resistant pathogens), as a more ecologically responsible approach to fish farming. With the emergence of probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and herbal immunostimulants; dietary supplementation has become an integral aspect of immuno‐nutrition. In this review, we have compiled a list of dietary immunostimulants in rohu, based on the research carried over the last ten years. It should be noted that nearly 25% of the studies on dietary supplementation in Labeo rohita investigated probiotics species (either singly or as mixtures), followed by the use of herbal supplements or phytobiotics. In relation to stress, about 30% of the studies dealt with the supplementation of tryptophan, followed by the incorporation of lipotropes. Moreover, approximately 55–60% of the studies reviewed, were restricted to nutrition‐based disease resistance against Aeromonas hydrophila infection. Commercially available probiotics and herbal feed additives have been helpful in the health management of L. rohita to some extent. Ongoing research is consistently exploring novel ingredients inducing favourable immunomodulation to survive stress and widespread A. hydrophila infection in L. rohita. However, further investigations aiming at broad‐spectrum disease resistance and multiple stress resilience are recommended. Efforts must also be directed towards the elucidation of specifically targeted response in vivo. Overall, greater insights into the molecular mechanisms of dietary supplementation of immunostimulants warrants the use of downstream analytical techniques and high‐throughput screening tools.

Application of herbal plants in giant freshwater prawn: A review on its opportunities and limitation

Macrobrachium rosenbergii can be found in northwest India’s freshwater to Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea, and Northern Australia. Nowadays, it becomes the most commercially crucial freshwater crustacean species cultured in many countries in the Asia region and beyond its natural distribution. On the other hand, feed additives are one of the feed ingredients that significantly improve the immune system, enhance the ingestion of feed, stress resistance, and reproduction. There are also many challenges in feed additives, i.e., high price, water-soluble, food safety, environmental issue, and the ban of nutritive antibiotics. Intensified research is devoted to exploiting natural products such as herbs in developing herbal feed additives to enhance cultured aquatic species’ performance. Herbs are cheap, safe, effective, easily prepared, biodegradable resources, and a high potential for mass production. Herbs contain many beneficial ingredients that can help as a growth promoter and immunostimulants for animals. However, herbal plants’ application to the animal must be in the right dosage to prevent toxicity. This review discusses the findings from different studies related to the in-vitro and in-vivo applications of herbs as a growth promoter, antimicrobial, and immunostimulant agent besides its opportunity and limitations in applying herbs focusing on M. rosenbergii culture.

Ameliorating the crossbred (Local x Holstein Friesian) growing calves’ growth performance, fecal microbial loads, and nutrient digestibility upon feeding local herbal feed additives as supplements

There is a growing interest to researchers in human and animal studies through the addition of medicinal plants or their derivatives to their feeds due to the presence of bioactive compounds. A study was carried out to monitor growth performance, fecal microbial loads and nutrient digestibility in crossbred (Local x Holstein Friesian) growing calves. Treatment groups were: HFA1 (CON: Control group, basal diet: green grass + concentrate), HFA2 (CON + fruit of Emblica officinalis Gaertn. 0.5% in-feed and 0.1% in-water), HFA3 (CON + fruit of Terminalia bellirica Gaertn. Roxb. 0.5% in-feed and 0.1% in-water), and HFA4 (CON + fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz. 0.5% in-feed and 0.1% in-water). Addition of local herbal feed additives (HFA2, HFA3 and HFA4) improved weight gain and gain to feed ratio (p&lt;0.05). Fecal microbiological study indicated that, fecal pathogenic E. coli was suppressed, however, Lactobacilli sp. and their ratio was elevated in HFA2, HFA3 and HFA4 relative to HFA1 (p&lt;0.05). Digestibility of DM was upgraded whereas digestibility of CP was down-trended in herbal treated group as compared to control group (p&lt;0.05). Thus, utilization of local herbal feed additives in the diet (in-feed and in-water) of crossbred growing calves might be evocative for promoting the growth performance rather than utilizing synthetic growth promoters

Supplementation of Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) diet with barberry (Berberis vulgaris) fruit extract: Growth performance, hemato-biochemical parameters, digestive enzyme activity, and growth-related gene expression

In this study, barberry fruit extract (BFE) was used as an herbal feed additive at 0 (control), 150, 300, 600, and 750 mg/kg to evaluate growth performance, physiometabolic responses, and gene expression related to growth and appetite in Siberian sturgeon. The fish (N = 150; 29.7 ± 2.2 g) were fed with the experimental diets for 56 days. Upon the completion of the feeding trial, the fish fed with BFE at 750 mg/kg showed higher growth indices than the control fish and the lowest feed conversion ratio (P < 0.05). The highest levels of red blood cell, hemoglobin, and hematocrit were observed in the group fed with 750 mg/kg BFE (P < 0.05). Different dietary levels of BFE had no significant effect on the levels of alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase in the serum samples (P > 0.05), while a decreasing trend was seen in aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, glucose, and triglyceride contents by increasing in the dietary levels of BFE. The activities of lipase, amylase, and protease in the BFE-added groups were higher than the control group (P < 0.05). The highest expression of growth hormone gene was recorded in 600 and 750 mg/kg BFE treatments (P < 0.05). The transcription of insulin-like growth factor-I gene was significantly up-regulated in 750 mg/kg BFE treatment compared to others (P < 0.05). Ghrelin gene expression was significantly elevated in both brain and stomach tissue samples by increasing dietary levels of BFE. Overall, dietary BFE markedly at 750 mg/kg exerts growth-promoting effects in Siberian sturgeon.

Influence of Kamela (Mallotus philippensis) leaves as herbal feed additive on nutrient utilization and performances in growing crossbred calves

This work was undertaken to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of Kamela (Mallotus philippensis) leaf meal as herbal feed additive on nutrients utilization and growth performance of growing crossbred calves. Ten numbers of growing Jersey male cross-bred calves were divided in to two groups (G1 and G2) and were fed individually under stall feeding on a paddy straw based mixed ration (50% paddy straw and 50% concentrate mixture) for 140 days. Two types (C1 and C2) of iso-nitrogenous concentrate mixtures were prepared. Wheat bran in concentrate mixture (C2) of test group (G2) was partially replaced (4 parts w/w) with sun dried ground Mallotus philippensis leaf meal. Experimental calves of test group (G2) fed Mallotus philippensis leaf meal @ 2% of the diet. Daily dry matter intake (g/d) was similar among the calves of two experimental groups. Apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, ADF and cellulose were higher in the Mallotus philippensis leaf meal fed calves (G2). DCP value of the ration was similar while, TDN value of the ration was higher in the calves of Mallotus philippensis leaf meal supplemented group (G2). However, plane of nutrition among the calves of both experimental groups was similar. Average finishing body weight, daily body weight gain, feed conversion efficiency and blood glucose level were higher in Mallotus philippensis leaf fed calves (G2). The results of the study indicated that dietary supplementation Kamela (Mallotus philippensis) leaf meal as herbal feed additive @ 2% of total diet significantly improved the performance in growing male crossbred calves.

Antimicrobial activity of some herbal feed additives

The present study was conducted to estimate in-vitro antimicrobial activity of six herbal plant extracts (Black pepper, Fennel, Turmeric, Black cumin, Ginger, Bay leaf) by using well diffusion method. It was determined that both methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts of these herbal additives possessed considerable antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. The results suggested the potential use of Black pepper, Fennel, Turmeric, Black cumin, Ginger and Bay leaf as phytogenic growth promoter or feed additive in animals which can be further explored for better production.