Phytogenic feed additives are considered the safer alternative to synthetic growth promoters and poultry additives. This new-age poultry additive is scientifically extracted from many botanical sources like herbs, spices and essential oils. The importance of phytogenic feed additives has gained prominence in recent years to restrict the excess use of synthetic additives and anti-microbial growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry nutrition. The limitations in using AGPs for their substantial threats to both poultry and human health have compelled farm owners to rethink poultry nutrition and switch to a safer alternative as phytogenics. Some recent research trials have proved the efficacy of phytogenics in enhancing performance, improved immunity, and even metal toxicity minus zero side effects. Because of their proven antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, phytogenic feed additives are fast emerging as the promising feed alternative in advanced poultry nutrition.

Phytogenics: A safe and sustainable approach to poultry nutrition

Phytogenic feed additives garner a lot of attention in poultry nutrition for all right reasons. These botanically extracted poultry feed formulations have proven to be way safer than synthetic feed additives in promoting the healthy growth and production of poultry. Phytogenics have surfaced as the promising alternative to AGPs, formulated from botanical extracts and laced with therapeutic properties.

Since plant-derived, phytogenic feed additives are residue free and contain many bioactive ingredients like alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, polyphenols, capsaicin, and many other plant compounds. However, the efficacy of these botanical feed additives depends on various crucial factors like the species of the plants, genes, age, harvesting time and the extraction method.

But, still, the scientifically extracted and formulated phytogenic feed additives are rich in vital plant compounds and antioxidants that aid in improved broiler physiology, enhanced meat quality and egg production.

An Initiative to Re-invent growth promoters with a herbal twist

The alarming health risk of antibiotic resistance in pathogens has fueled rising concerns regarding its limited uses. In contrast, some nations have completely banned AGPs in poultry nutrition. This major concern of the global poultry business has led to advanced research for plant-based growth promoters, known as phytogenic feed additives.

Here is a detailed analysis of some vital botanical sources, their potential compounds and their efficacy in poultry nutrition.

Besides, the essential oils in phytogenic feed additives contain some potent bioactive substances like carvacrol, capsaicin, cineole and so on that are high in anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and antiviral properties.

Efficacy of phytoadditives- Yay or Nay!!

Because of the alarming health risks associated with the long-term use of antibiotic growth promoters, phytoadditives or phytogenic feed additives have become the latest, safest, and most effective poultry nutrition alternatives. Though the efficacy of phytoadditives remains speculative by some, recent research has unveiled that phytoadditives, when fed in moderation, can enhance performance and carcass quality and improve immune response in the broiler. But the prime concern is whether phytogenic feed additives can meet the commercial interests of the poultry business.

Interestingly, phytogenic feed additives have proved to excel in every parameter of commercial poultry farming. The natural botanical extracts in the phytoadditives perfectly meet the commercial interests in aiding the fast and healthy growth of the broilers and improving egg production capacity. Here is a quick sneak peek of the impact of phytoadditives on poultry health.

• Antioxidant compounds derived from basil and chamomile work as potent growth promoters, when added to poultry feed
• Equal mixtures of phytogenic compounds thymol+ carvacrol, are found to be quite effective in boosting the secretion of digestive enzymes and improving immune response. A recommended dose keeps your flock secured from diseases
• Phytoadditives extracted from Withania somnifera help in improving the feed intake of the broilers and healthy weight gain
• A moderate feeding supplementation of 1 or 2g of star anise aids in improving body weight and feed conversion in broilers
• Feeding your flock, a supplemented diet with 200mg/kg EO from peppermint enhances crude protein digestibility

After a research-driven analysis of the outcome of feeding phytoadditives to broilers, it is found that phytogenic feed additives (PFA) are equally beneficial and effective as growth promoters, in improving egg productivity, and vitality of the flocks.

Sun setting of AGPs:

Antimicrobial Growth Promoters (AGPs) are frequently used in poultry farming and livestock rearing to enhance feed conversion and reduce mortality. AGPs are lab-formulated chemical agents fed as the sub-therapeutic dosage of antibiotics to the poultry to keep diseases at bay and promote faster growth. To meet the increasing demand for meat consumption, ignorant poultry owners are overdosing on AGPs, making poultry pathogens resistant to drugs, and poultry meat consumption is repeating the same in humans.

The increasing multi-drug resistance cases in humans are leading to chronic infections and prolonged illness only due to the consumption of AGP-fed poultry meat.

However, the essential herbal compounds in phytoadditives, like alkaloids, tannins, and flavonoids extracted from various botanical sources, have proven to be extremely beneficial as alternative safe feed additives. This latest alternative feed is a great way to eliminate every possible risk of AGPs to human health.

Is the ongoing clinical research on phytoadditives even worth it?

To curb the sustaining harmful effects of AGPs and in search for safer plant-derived poultry feed alternatives, eminent researchers are investing considerable time and effort to introduce and confirm phytoadditives as safer and more effective herbal growth promoters.

The efficacy of phytogenic feed additives, also known as photobiotics is still under comprehensive trials as different botanical sources contain different elements that are excellent as poultry feed additives. Besides, phytoadditives are cost-efficient, which is also excellent for the financial health of the global poultry business.

Researchers are on a spree to derive the optimum efficacy of herbal poultry nutrition from a wide range of herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, black cumin, coriander, garlic, ginger, and black cumin, to name a few. Although the mechanism of phytoadditives is still speculative, some promising research outcomes speak otherwise.

Prospect of phytoadditives in the Indian poultry industry

The search for a safer and more effective poultry feed alternative by Indian veterinary scientists has been on since AGPs were banned in Europe in 2005. However, the current poultry business scenario in India still has the rampant use of AGPs by ignorant and unethical farm owners, making the situation critical for public health. Though the efficacy of phytoadditives in the Indian poultry business is a definite challenge due to a lack of awareness, the Government of India is investing resources and facilities for productive research and trials in developing a safer alternative to the risk-inducing AGPs.

So, until any product development is surfacing in the scene of phytogenic feed additives, the use of AGPs is still prevalent in the Indian poultry business. However, to curb the threat of antibiotic resistance in human beings, the Government of India is suggesting judicious applications of AGPs, which have been severely questioned to secure public health interests. While safer alternatives like probiotics, gut acidifiers, and organic acids are in use, researchers are relentlessly working to introduce the proven efficacy of phytogenic feed additives as the safest herbal growth promoter.

Bottom line: Though the area of research in phytogenic feed additives is a continuous process, it cannot be denied that herbal growth promoters in poultry nutrition are going to have a positive impact on human and environmental health. While India has not been able to discontinue the use of AGPs in poultry farming, the trend toward a safer alternative has been noticed. If you are looking for safer herbal poultry feed additives, look no further and browse the premium range of clinically-tested botanical poultry feed formulations at Glamac. Our latest phytogenic feed additives include Cynka, a natural antidiarrhoeal & gut modulator, GlariGo with bio-activated curcumin, and XAROMA, a liquid cocktail of essential oils. It’s time to switch to a safer and healthier mode of poultry business with Glamac’s expert-approved phytoadditives range.

For more information, contact: Glamac International Pvt. Ltd., info@glamac.com

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