Plant extracts (phytogenics) are a group of natural growth promoters (NGPs) derived from herbs, spices or other plants.They are commonly regarded as favorable alternatives to in-feed antibiotics in livestock production. Essential oils represent a concentrated form of phytogenics, containing mainly the active ingredients of the plants.Introduction
In recent years, the forthcoming ban of in-feed antibiotics, which has been implemented in Europe in January 2006, has driven research activities regarding the potential of plant extracts and essential oils as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters.
The potential benefits of using phytogenics in livestock nutrition are:
• Increased feed intake
• Stimulation of digestion
• Increased growth performance
• Reduced incidence of diarrhoea
• Increased performance parameters
• Improved reproductive parameters
• Improved feed efficiency- higher profitability
At present, there is an increasing number of phytogenic products available on the market. However, due to a large variation in chemical composition these products vary greatly in their efficacy and dosage rate.
In recent years, the forthcoming ban of in-feed antibiotics, which has been implemented in Europe in January 2006, has driven research activities regarding the potential of plant extracts and essential oils as alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters.
The potential benefits of using phytogenics in livestock nutrition are:
• Increased feed intake
• Stimulation of digestion
• Increased growth performance
• Reduced incidence of diarrhoea
• Increased performance parameters
• Improved reproductive parameters
• Improved feed efficiency- higher profitability
At present, there is an increasing number of phytogenic products available on the market. However, due to a large variation in chemical composition these products vary greatly in their efficacy and dosage rate.
Tasty plants
Adding phytogenic flavouring substances to the diet can help
overall performance and health in a natural way. Read more >
Plant extracts for sustainability
Plant extracts in animal feed can also help in reducing the methane gas
formation by ruminants. Read more >
Application in pig diets
Many studies have been made on feeding supplements that contain plant
extracts and their application in pig diets is an area of rapid development.
Read more >
Application in poultry diets
The application of plants in poultry diets are multiple. Firstly, a number of
plants are known to contain high levels of metabolically active vitamin D3 and studies have shown that under adverse conditions, these can be useful in reducing the egg shell quality problems associated with age. Read more >
Application in cow diets
Herbal additives have aroused much scientific interest over the
past few years. Most of the studies have been performed on extracts of herbs and used in feed for monogastrics and pre-ruminants. Read more >
Essential oils
Essential oils are volatile oils obtained from plants or from part thereof
by, for example, steam and/or water distillation. Read more >
Application in petfood
Plant extracts are also used a lot in petfood.
The application for pets is more focused on allergies and overall health.
Read more >
Companies / Research projects / External articles
Links to relevant sites: Read more >
