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With the rapid growth of the world's population, the demand for food is also increasing. Poultry accounts for 40% of the global meat sector and therefore represents a significant area for further growth. One starting point for increasing production is to refine the composition of feed to improve the efficiency of growth and nutrient utilization, prevent disease and at the same time reduce environmental impact. Similar considerations have led to the long‐standing sub‐therapeutic use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal husbandry, which is associated with the threat of rising antimicrobial resistances and the resulting consequences for human and animal health. In order to circumvent these drawbacks, an increasing number of alternative feed additives are becoming more prevalent. The use of phytogenic feed additives, which includes hops (Humulus lupulus), is regarded as a viable alternative. In addition to its natural availability, hops have been demonstrated to exhibit antimicrobial effects and there is increasing evidence of growth‐promoting effects in vivo. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in global temperature and consumers' welfare has increased the use of phytogenic feed additives (PFA) to mitigate the negative effects of heat stress on chickens in recent years. Various bioactive compounds capable of improving the thermotolerance of broiler chickens during exposure to thermal challenges have been identified in different plant species and parts. This review is an overview of the roles of bioactive compounds of different PFA, such as polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidants, growth‐promoting and immune‐modulating agents, in heat stress management in broiler chickens. Common PFA in use, particularly in tropical environments, are also discussed. An understanding of the roles of the PFA in chickens' thermotolerance could further stimulate interest in their use, thereby improving the birds' productivity and addressing consumers' concerns. This review collates the existing data on the roles of herbs in mitigating heat stress on chickens and highlights future research perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Phytogenics such as ginger, wild marjoram, and cloves, along with their active components, have been shown to be effective and safe in animal production and thus serve as potential substitutes that could replace antibiotic growth promoters. This review delineates their common mechanisms and summarizes the results of recent studies on the growth performance of poultry production—with emphasis on broilers—to combat necrotic enteritis. Necrotic enteritis is a devastating disease in chickens mainly caused by Clostridium perfringens—particularly, Net-B toxin-producing strains. In order to combat necrotic enteritis in broiler production, natural growth promoters, as well as anti-inflammatory and non-antibiotic remedies, were developed for anti-microbial resistance due to its status as a global pandemic. Herein, phytogenic ginger, wild marjoram, and cloves were reviewed as potential alternatives to antibiotics for their anti-microbial functions. These phytogenics contain active ingredients that efficiently modulate the immune response and improve intestinal morphology and overall growth performance, even under stress and infection conditions. Most of the beneficial effects can be attributed to their anti-inflammatory functions, primarily the inhibition of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Phytogenics and their active ingredients represent potential substitutes for antibiotic growth promoters, further serving as anti-microbial remedies in the treatment of birds with infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in poultry production not only promotes the emergence of pathogenic multi-drug resistant bacteria, but it also compromises product quality, threatens animal and human health, and pollutes the environment. However, the complete withdrawal of AGP without alternatives could result in uncontrollable disease outbreaks that would jeopardize large-scale poultry intensification. Thus, the use of phytogenic products as potential alternatives to in-feed AGP has attracted worldwide research interest. These phytogenic products contain numerous biologically active substances with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities that can enhance poultry health, growth performance, and meat quality characteristics. In addition, the incorporation of phytogenic products as feed additives in poultry diets could result in the production of high-quality, drug-free, and organic poultry products that are safe for human consumption. Thus, this review examines the current evidence on the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of a selection of phytogenic products, their effects on nutrient utilization, and physiological and meat quality parameters in poultry. The paper also reviews the factors that could limit the utilization of phytogenic products in poultry nutrition and proposes solutions that can deliver efficient and sustainable poultry production systems for global food and nutrition security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The poor quality and safety of poultry feed in developing countries pose significant concerns as they negatively impact poultry performance and present potential health risks to human consumers. Aflatoxicosis, resulting from postharvest contamination of feed ingredients by certain mold species, severely affects birds' overall health and productivity. To address these challenges, various feed additives have become increasingly important in poultry nutrition. Phytogenics, natural plant-derived products, have gained popularity for their ability to mitigate aflatoxicosis by their rich composition of bioactive compounds that offer beneficial effects on physiological and immunological functions. In light of the growing significance of aflatoxicosis in poultry nutrition, this review provides an overview of aflatoxins and their harmful effects on poultry health. It highlights the role of phytogenic compounds as growth and health stimulators, emphasizing their potential application in poultry nutrition. Furthermore, the review explores the antioxidant and immunological mechanisms through which phytogenics mitigate aflatoxicosis in poultry, including specific compounds and pathways involved. The findings reveal that aflatoxins induce inflammation, and oxidative stress in poultry, resulting in cellular damage and immune dysfunction. Phytogenics play a crucial role in ameliorating the harmful effects of aflatoxins in birds by countering aflatoxin-induced oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and restoring gut health and immune functions. In conclusion, phytogenics offer an invaluable tool for the mitigation of aflatoxicosis in poultry and serve as potent natural and safe alternatives to antibiotics and synthetic antioxidants, promoting sustainable production practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 10-week trial was undertaken to evaluate the effects of a phytogenic feed additive (Digestrom P.E.P) on growth, proximate chemical composition, hematological, and immunological indices of juvenile beluga sturgeon Huso huso (159.5 ± 0.2 g initial weight). Twelve 800 L tanks were stocked with 15 fish in each, with three tanks being used for each feed treatment. The fish were fed to satiation (4 meals day−1) for 70 days, during which time they were given either a control feed (40.7% protein, 16.1% fat, 12.5% moisture, and 9.1% ash) without Digestrom P.E.P (diet 0) or a feed containing 10, 20, or 40 g kg−1 Digestrom P.E.P. After 70 days, a significantly higher (p <.05) final individual weight was recorded for fish given the feed with 20 g kg−1 Digestrom P.E.P (ca 435 g) than for fish given the other feeds (range ca 397–417 g). There were no significant effects on feed intake, feed conversion ratio, fish condition factor, and survival rate (p >.05). Fish given the feed with 20 g kg−1 Digestrom P.E.P had significantly higher carcass crude protein (ca 18.9%) than fish provided with the other feeds (carcass protein range ca 14.8–17.8%), but there were no significant effects on carcass fat, ash, and moisture contents. Moreover, no changes were observed in the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit value, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, lymphocytes, monocytes, and eosinophils among the treatments (p >.05). We observed the highest number of white blood cells (11.5 ± 0.1 × 103 mm−3) and neutrophils (31.0 ± 0.8%) in fish fed with 20 g kg−1 Digestrom P.E.P. Furthermore, among the non-specific parameters, fish fed with 10 and 20 g kg−1 Digestrom P.E.P had the highest lysozyme activity compared to other treatments (p <.05). Based on the results, we can conclude that Digestrom P.E.P at the level of 20 g kg−1 as an immunostimulant in the diet of juvenile beluga sturgeon can enhance growth performance and innate immune system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of pre-treating Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) with different levels of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on the growth performance, serum biochemistry, hematology, and meat quality parameters of Jumbo quail was evaluated. Two-week-old quail chicks (n = 432; 239.6 ± 6.48 g live-weight) were randomly allocated to six diets formulated by incorporating (10% w/w) untreated MOLP (PEG0) or MOLP pre-treated with PEG at 2.5% (PEG25), 5% (PEG50), 7.5% (PEG75), and 10% (PEG100) (w/w) into a standard grower diet (CON). Overall feed intake linearly increased with PEG levels. At week 4, significant quadratic trends were recorded for weight gain and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) but, at week 5, FCE linearly declined as PEG levels increased. Hemoglobin, phosphorus, and albumin showed quadratic trends, while calcium and chroma (1 h post-mortem) linearly declined in response to PEG levels. Diet PEG50 promoted a higher shear force value (2.41) than diets PEG0 and PEG25. The PEG50 diet promoted a similar (p > 0.05) shear force as diet CON. Based on the quadratic response for weight gain, the optimal PEG pre-treatment level was calculated to be 5.9%. It was concluded that MOLP condensed tannins negatively affect growth performance and should be ameliorated to enhance the utility of this nutraceutical source for Jumbo quail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intense pressure on the poultry sector to promote safe chicken meat and egg has sparked interest in the use of natural and consumer- accepted phytogenic feed additives. The majority of literature on the benefits of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Negro pepper (Xylopia aethiopica) is focused on layers and there is no evidence of turmeric and Negro pepper interactive effects. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of turmeric and Negro pepper mixture on serum biochemical and haematological constituents of broiler chicks fed for 48 days. A total of 96 one-day-old Arbor acres chicks of mixed sexes were used for the experiment. The birds were randomly assigned to four treatment groups and replicated three times in a completely randomized design. The milled turmeric and Negro pepper were mixed in the ratio of 50:50 (50%) and used in the formulation of turmeric and Negro pepper mixture (TNPM) diets. The four experimental diets were formulated to contain 0.00, 0.50, 1.00, and 1.50% dietary levels of inclusion of TNPM at the starter phase and 0.00, 1.50, 3.00, and 4.50% inclusion levels at the finishing phase respectively. Blood samples were collected from the brachial wing vein on the 24th and 48th days of the experiment and were evaluated for serum biochemical and haematological constituents. At the starter phase, red blood cells (RBC) was significantly (P <0.05) improved at a 1.50% dietary level of TNPM. Haemoglobin (Hb) was better (P <0.05) in 0.50 and 1.50% inclusion levels. Mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and White blood cells were enhanced (P <0.05) among the treatment groups compared to the control. Total protein, albumin, uric acid and cholesterol concentrations were reduced significantly (P <0.05) in 1.50% inclusion. Alkaline phosphatase value was significantly (P <0.05) lower in birds fed 1.00% TNPM. At the finishing phase, packed cell volume was significantly (P <0.05) higher in 1.50 and 3.00%. RBC was significantly (P <0.05) higher in birds fed 1.50 and 4.50% TNPM. Hb and mean cell volume values were significantly (P <0.05) higher in 1.50% when compared to 0.00%. MCHC was better (P <0.05) among birds fed 1.50% in comparison with those fed 0.00 and 4.50%. WBC was generally improved (P <0.05) among the treatment groups. Total protein and cholesterol values were higher (P <0.05) in the control. Albumin was higher (P <0.05) in 0.00 and 1.50%. Globulin produced a significantly (P <0.05) lower value in 1.50%. Aspartate aminotransferase produced significantly (P <0.05) higher value in T2. It was concluded that up to 1.50 and 4.50% of TNPM could be included in starting and finishing broiler diets without any detrimental effect on serum biochemical and haematological constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant‐derived products have been suggested to partially replace fishmeal in aquafeed; however, often at decreased growth performance, inflammatory responses, and increased susceptibility to diseases. This study assessed the effects of the commercial phytogenic feed additive Digestarom PEP MGE on the growth, nutritional performance, and immune response of L. vannamei. Juvenile shrimp (N = 540) were stocked in 36 tanks (V = 100 L) for 63 days and fed one of the four experimental diets: (i) standard formulation (control, 24% fishmeal), (ii) low fishmeal diet (5%), (iii) low fishmeal diet plus 0.2 g/kg Digestarom PEP MGE, and (iv) low fishmeal diet plus 0.4 g/kg Digestarom PEP MGE. The results obtained after 63 days of feed supplementation suggest that the blend of essential oils tested compensated for the negative performance and health consequences of the low fishmeal diet. Particularly, the survival, FCR, total hemocyte count, and respiratory burst of the shrimp fed a low fishmeal diet supplemented with this phytogenic improved up to the levels recorded for shrimp fed a high fishmeal diet. Overall, results suggest that Digestarom PEP MGE can be incorporated into shrimp low fishmeal diets to compensate for the negative performance and immunological effects of partially replacing fishmeal with plant‐based protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of nutritional strategies for the prevention of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and the related microbial dysbiosis still remains unpredictable due to the complexity of the rumen ecosystem. The rumen epimural community, due to proximity, has the greatest opportunity to influence host gene expression. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of two separate feed additives on the rumen epimural community and host epithelial gene expression. Eight rumen cannulated Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of three feeding groups: autolyzed yeast (AY), phytogenics (PHY) and control (CON) using a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Cows were fed an intermittent SARA model that started with 100% forage diet (Baseline) followed by two 65% concentrate-diet induced SARA challenges (SARAI, SARAII), separated by 1 week of forage only feeding. Rumen papillae samples were collected via the cannula during the Baseline, SARAI and SARAII periods. Microbial DNA was extracted and sequenced targeting the 16S rRNA gene and host RNA was analyzed using RT-qPCR. Analysis of the taxonomic composition at the genera level showed a tendency to increase in the relative abundances of Pseudobutyrivibrio (P = 0.06), Selenomonas (P = 0.07) and significantly increase in SHD-231 (P = 0.01) in PHY treated animals, whereas Succiniclasticum tended to decrease in both PHY and AY treated animals compared to the control. Linear discriminant analysis effect size testing was performed and based on treatment × feeding phase interaction, a number of biomarker genera were identified including the previously identified Succiniclasticum. Supplementation with AY correlated positively with CD14 and DRA expression and negatively to CLDN1, MyD88, and MCT4 expression. Supplementation with PHY showed a negative correlation to CLDN4 gene expression. Anaerovibrio showed the highest positive Pearson correlations to biogenic amines tested in the rumen fluid including putrescine (r = 0.67), cadaverine (r = 0.84), and tyramine (r = 0.83). These results show that supplementing feed additives to high grain diets can have a positive influence on the stability of the epimural populations, and that changes in the epimural community are correlated with changes in host epithelial gene expression.

The success of nutritional strategies for the prevention of subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and the related microbial dysbiosis still remains unpredictable due to the complexity of the rumen ecosystem. The rumen epimural community, due to proximity, has the greatest opportunity to influence host gene expression. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of two separate feed additives on the rumen epimural community and host epithelial gene expression. Eight rumen cannulated Holstein cows were randomly assigned to one of three feeding groups: autolyzed yeast (AY), phytogenics (PHY) and control (CON) using a 3 × 3 Latin square design. Cows were fed an intermittent SARA model that started with 100% forage diet (Baseline) followed by two 65% concentrate-diet induced SARA challenges (SARAI, SARAII), separated by 1 week of forage only feeding. Rumen papillae samples were collected via the cannula during the Baseline, SARAI and SARAII periods. Microbial DNA was extracted and sequenced targeting the 16S rRNA gene and host RNA was analyzed using RT-qPCR. Analysis of the taxonomic composition at the genera level showed a tendency to increase in the relative abundances of Pseudobutyrivibrio (P = 0.06), Selenomonas (P = 0.07) and significantly increase in SHD-231 (P = 0.01) in PHY treated animals, whereas Succiniclasticum tended to decrease in both PHY and AY treated animals compared to the control. Linear discriminant analysis effect size testing was performed and based on treatment × feeding phase interaction, a number of biomarker genera were identified including the previously identified Succiniclasticum. Supplementation with AY correlated positively with CD14 and DRA expression and negatively to CLDN1 , MyD88 , and MCT4 expression. Supplementation with PHY showed a negative correlation to CLDN4 gene expression. Anaerovibrio showed the highest positive Pearson correlations to biogenic amines tested in the rumen fluid including putrescine (r = 0.67), cadaverine (r = 0.84), and tyramine (r = 0.83). These results show that supplementing feed additives to high grain diets can have a positive influence on the stability of the epimural populations, and that changes in the epimural community are correlated with changes in host epithelial gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of feed additives to improve the efficiency of growth and/or eggs production, prevent disease and improve feed utilization is a strategy to improve the efficiency of the poultry industry. Feed additives may not enter the market in Europe unless authorisation has been given following a scientific evaluation. The use and development of enzymes, phytogenics, prebiotics and probiotics has gained momentum in poultry feeding. The enzymes widely used by the industry are the non-starch polysaccharidases that cleave the non-starch polysaccharides in viscous cereals, microbial phytases that target the phytatecomplexes in plant ingredients. Proteases are of interest to improve protein and amino acid digestibility, particularly in very young animals. Phytogenics are an alternative to in-feed antibiotics to prevent the risk of developing pathogens and also to satisfy consumer demand for a food chain free of drugs. Probiotic feed additives generally consist of one single strain or a combination of several strains of bacteria, Bacillus spores or yeasts species. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients, such as fructo-oligo-saccharides, xylo-oligo-saccharides, mannan-oligo-saccharides and galacto-oligo-saccharides that are also used in feeds to protect poultry against pathogens. Future research needs to be directed towards understanding how combinations of these additives can be used to improve the effi ciency of poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous non-antibiotic feed additives (alternatives to antibiotics, ATAs) have been marketed, but few have been evaluated under uniform testing conditions modelling commercial flocks. We compared 24 ATA treatments and the ionophorous coccidiostat narasin against a diet without any feed additives. Feed conversion ratio and body weight gain were registered from day 0 to 28 in Ross 308 chickens housed on litter floor. The chickens were challenged with Eimeria spp., and cecal Clostridium perfringens (CP) counts were investigated. Active components from all ATA classes had a positive impact on intestinal health or production performance. Whereas narasin had a strong CP-reducing effect in combination with performance-promoting impact, only two ATA treatments achieved significantly beneficial effects on CP counts as well as feed conversion during the time span following Eimeria challenge. Active components present in these two treatments include a Bacillus subtilis probiotic strain, short- and medium-chain fatty acids and Saccharomyces cerevisiae components. Different ATA classes had beneficial impact during distinct rearing phases and on specific performance targets, suggesting that optimizing combinations and use of active components can make ATAs even more useful tools in broiler rearing without the use of in-feed antimicrobials. Further studies of promising ATAs and ATA combinations are required.

Simple Summary: Plant secondary metabolites and essential oils also known as phytogenics are biologically active compounds that have recently attracted increased interest as feed additives in poultry production, due to their ability to promote feed efficiency by enhancing the production of digestive secretions and nutrient absorption, reduce pathogenic load in the gut, exert antioxidant properties and decrease the microbial burden on the animal's immune status. However, the mechanisms are far from being fully elucidated. Better understanding the interaction of phytogenics with gastrointestinal function and health as well as other feed ingredients/additives is crucial to design potentially cost-effective blends. Phytogenic feed additives have been largely tested in poultry production with the aim to identify their effects on the gastrointestinal function and health, and their implications on the birds' systemic health and welfare, the production efficiency of flocks, food safety, and environmental impact. These feed additives originating from plants, and consisting of herbs, spices, fruit, and other plant parts, include many different bioactive ingredients. Reviewing published documents about the supplementation of phytogenic feed additives reveals contradictory results regarding their effectiveness in poultry production. This indicates that more effort is still needed to determine the appropriate inclusion levels and fully elucidate their mode of actions. In this frame, this review aimed to sum up the current trends in the use of phytogenic feed additives in poultry with a special focus on their interaction with gut ecosystem, gut function, in vivo oxidative status and immune system as well as other feed additives, especially organic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytogenic feed additives that contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may have potential to reduce inflammation and oxidation observed during bouts of heat stress. The trial objective was to determine the effects of a phytogenic feed additive on markers of stress in heifers subjected to diurnal heat stress (dHS). Eighteen Holstein and four Jersey heifers (5-6 months of age; d1 BW=205±9 kg) were assigned to two dietary treatments (n = 11) based on breed and age; 1) a basal TMR diet (CTL), 2) CTL supplemented with 0.25 g/head/d of a proprietary blend of phytogenics (PFA; BIOMIN America, Inc., Overland Park, KS). Heifers were housed individually and fed their respective treatments for 14d prior to dHS (d-14-1), subjected dHS (d1-7), and followed through a recovery period (d8-11). Weights were collected at d1 (baseline), d7 (end of dHS), and d11 (end of recovery). The temperature set point was assigned at 33°C from 0900 to 2100 h and allowed to equilibrate with outside temperature during night (24°C) for a total of 7d dHS. Total DMI (tDMI) and DMI from 0900 to 2100 h (hsDMI) were recorded daily. Serum was collected at d1, 2, 7 and 11 to determine effect of treatment on markers of oxidation, inflammation, and stress. Treatment effects were analyzed using PROC MIXED in SAS with treatment and time as fixed effects and heifer as a random effect. Temperature humidity index during dHS was greater during the day (84.5) versus night (73.3). There were no treatment differences (P>0.05) in d 0-11 on ADG, ADFI, or GF between treatments. However, PFA numerically increased hsDMI, reduced (P< 0.05) haptoglobin and tended to reduce (P< 0.10) lipopolysaccharide binding protein compared with CTL. Overall, dietary PFA may be a potential strategy to mitigate the stresses that heifers experience during dHS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Phytogenics are feed additives of plant origin, that gained considerable attention due to the wide range of benefits for farmers and animals, as well as for the environment. Phytogenics can be used to stimulate growth, strengthen the immune system, promote intestinal flora, or reduce intestinal inflammation in fish. In this study, the effect of feed supplementation with wheatgrass juice as a phytogenic on the growth, body composition and blood biochemical profile in carp was tested. The results showed that wheat grass juice produces positive effects on growth, contributing to higher final biomass while reducing the fat content of meat. At the same time, the content of albumin, globulin, total protein, and calcium in the blood increased in wheat grass juice feeds. This study opens the premises for the use of wheat grass juice as a feed additive for carp. Wheat grass juice (WGJ) is an extract of young wheat plantlets (Triticum aetivum L.) used worldwide for its health related properties. In this study, the following feeds containing WGJ were tested on common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.): Control (C), WGJ1% (V1), WGJ2% (V2) and WGJ4% (V3) w/w. Fish with an average initial weight of 102 g/individual were grown in a recirculating aquaculture system. The results showed that WGJ had stimulatory effects on growth performance. Accordingly, final body weight increased by 11% at V1, 39% at V2 and 23% at V3, while other indices (feed conversion ratio, specific growth rate, relative growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and condition factor) were unaffected. Body composition analyses revealed a significant decrease in fat content at V2 and a significant increase in collagen and ash at the same variant, while the protein content was unmodified. Regarding the blood profile, significant increases in the content of albumin, globulin, total protein, and calcium were recorded in the variants with WGJ. The positive results of WGJ on carp can be attributed to its biochemical composition, which is rich in chlorophyll (4.71 mg mL−1), total phenols (164 µg mL−1 gallic acid equivalents), and high antioxidant activity (67% inhibition of DPPH 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The results suggest WGJ can be used as a promising feed additive for common carp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding two phytogenics compunds on growth performance and carcass characteristics in grow-finish pigs. Activo is a phytogenic feed additive consisting of a blend of microencapsulated secondary plant compounds used as an alternative to antibniotics to support gut health and overall animal performance. The study was desgined as a split plot design with 2 treatments (Activo and Control) with 44 replicates each and 22 pigs per pen. Pigs were alloted by weight (41.9 kgs in average) and age (about 12 weeks of age). Three dietary feeding phases were used. Grow-finish phase 1 (9-16 weeks post weaning) containing 13.6 g/ton of Skycis plus the tested phytogenics; grow-finish phase 2 had the tested phytogenics and finally gorw-finish phase 3 had 6.75 g/ton of Ractopamine plus the tested phytogenics. There were no siginifcant differences between the two groups on overal growth performance and mortality. Carcass characteristics data was analyzed by combining harvest cuts 1 and 2. Cut 1 was performed 15 days after the supplementation of Ractopamine and cut 2 when the barn was empty. This includes 27 pens for the Activo group and 30 pens for the Control group due to carcass data that was removed or missing. Any pen with a harvest cut missing 3 or more carcasses was removed from the data set. The Acitvo group had heavier (P = 0.03) hot carcass weigh (101.7 vs. 100.3 kgs, respectively) and higher (P = 0.04) carcass yield % (76.3 vs. 75.8%, respectively) when compared to the Control group. There was a tendency for the Activo group to have higher (P = 0.06) Longissimus muscel depth than the Control group. In conclusion, the Activo group appears to be a better alternative to antibiotics than the competitor phytogenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Phytogenic feed additives are botanic origin compounds added to animal diets with organoleptic and bioactive properties that produce benefits on performance, health, and welfare, and they contribute to reducing the use of antibiotics based on the antimicrobial properties of many of them. Globally, their use as in-feed additives in pig diets has become more frequent, especially during the weaning period. Weaning is a particularly stressful period for the young pig that is associated with an abrupt change from the mother's milk to the dry feed and frequent outbreaks of digestive disorders and diarrhea, which is the main cause of mortality at this age. The present study aimed to evaluate the potential of two plant-based feed supplementations to improve pig adaptation to weaning and to reduce the incidence of post-weaning colibacillosis by using an experimental model of disease. Our work showed that both supplements helped piglets fight enterotoxigenic E. coli but probably by means of different modes of action. Whereas the supplement based on essential oils seems to improve the microbiota balance, increasing the fecal lactobacilli/coliforms ratio, the combined supplement of essential oils and non-volatile compounds seems to have anti-inflammatory properties with a reduction in the intestinal damage and an improved immune response. This study evaluates the efficacy of two plant-based feed supplementations to fight colibacillosis in weanlings. A total of 96 piglets (32 pens) were assigned to four diets: a control diet (T1) or supplemented with ZnO (2500 ppm Zn) (T2) or two different plant supplements, T3 (1 kg/t; based on essential oils) and T4 (T3 + 1.5 kg/t based on non-volatile compounds). After one week, animals were challenged with ETEC F4, and 8 days after, one animal per pen was euthanized. Performance, clinical signs, microbial analysis, inflammatory response, intestinal morphology, and ileal gene expression were assessed. ZnO improved daily gains 4 days after challenge, T3 and T4 showing intermediate values (96, 249, 170, and 157 g/d for T1, T2, T3, and T4, p = 0.035). Fecal lactobacilli were higher with T3 and T4 compared to ZnO (7.55, 6.26, 8.71, and 8.27 cfu/gFM; p = 0.0007) and T3 increased the lactobacilli/coliforms ratio (p = 0.002). T4 was associated with lower levels of Pig-MAP (p = 0.07) and increases in villus/crypt ratio (1.49, 1.90, 1.73, and 1.84; p = 0.009). Moreover, T4 was associated with an upregulation of the REG3G gene (p = 0.013; pFDR = 0.228) involved in the immune response induced by enteric pathogens. In conclusion, both plant supplements enhanced animal response in front of an ETEC F4 challenge probably based on different modes of action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weaning stress and other environmental conditions can impact growing rabbit performance and carcass measurements. Therefore, investigating a feed ingredient that may mitigate these effects is important. The objective of this study was to determine if the addition of a phytogenic feed additive would improve performance and carcass measurements of growing rabbits. On October 22nd, 2018, a total of 16 (1.01 ± 0.02 kg BW) New Zealand White male rabbits were weaned and stratified by BW and allocated randomly to 1 of 2 groups representing 2 treatments: 1) Control (C; no phytogenic; n = 8) and 2) 454 g/ton phytogenic feed additive (PHYTO; n = 8). During the 42-d study, rabbits were housed in individual cages and offered a 18% CP and 2% fat commercial grower diet. All rabbits had ad libitum access to feed and water. Rabbits were weighed at the start of the study and weekly thereafter until the end of the feeding period when they were transported to a local abattoir, harvested, and carcass measurements recorded. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED of SAS. Start weight, weekly BW, end BW, weekly gain, total gain, weekly intake, total intake, and G:F did not differ (P = 0.11) between treatments. Carcass shrink percentage was greater (P = 0.003) from PHYTO compared with C. Whereas, HCW and dressing percentage were greater (P < 0.05) from C compared with PHYTO. Loin width did not differ (P = 0.89) between treatments. Ultimate pH was lower (P = 0.02) from PHYTO compared with C. Therefore, offering this specific phytogenic to weaned rabbits may not improve performance, but may impact certain carcass measurements. Further research is warranted to explore phytogenic impacts on carcass acceptability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: For many years, antibiotics were added to chicken feed to prevent disease and promote growth. This practice has been banned or voluntarily abolished in many countries. However, most countries still allow the use of in-feed ionophorous coccidiostats, which are drugs that possess both antiparasitic and antibacterial properties. Concerns related to antimicrobial resistance have led to increased focus on broiler chickens raised without the use of any antimicrobial agents, and the interest in non-antibiotic feed additives with beneficial effects on gastrointestinal health and productivity is growing. In this study, feed additives with active components belonging to the product classes probiotics, prebiotics, phytogenics and/or organic acids were assessed for their effect on intestinal health and production performance in broiler chickens. Collectively, the group of non-antibiotic feed additives improved gut health and performance, but not to the same extent as the ionophorous coccidiostat narasin. Probiotics and prebiotics had the overall best performances during coccidia challenge, phytogenics improved overall feed conversion and reduced counts of the intestinal bacterium Clostridium perfringens, and organic acids increased weight gain independent of age. This study provides comparable and unbiased results from testing of alternatives to antibiotics in a uniform experimental model highly relevant to commercial conditions. Numerous non-antibiotic feed additives (alternatives to antibiotics, ATAs) have been marketed, but few have been evaluated under uniform testing conditions modelling commercial flocks. We compared 24 ATA treatments and the ionophorous coccidiostat narasin against a diet without any feed additives. Feed conversion ratio and body weight gain were registered from day 0 to 28 in Ross 308 chickens housed on litter floor. The chickens were challenged with Eimeria spp., and cecal Clostridium perfringens (CP) counts were investigated. Active components from all ATA classes had a positive impact on intestinal health or production performance. Whereas narasin had a strong CP-reducing effect in combination with performance-promoting impact, only two ATA treatments achieved significantly beneficial effects on CP counts as well as feed conversion during the time span following Eimeria challenge. Active components present in these two treatments include a Bacillus subtilis probiotic strain, short- and medium-chain fatty acids and Saccharomyces cerevisiae components. Different ATA classes had beneficial impact during distinct rearing phases and on specific performance targets, suggesting that optimizing combinations and use of active components can make ATAs even more useful tools in broiler rearing without the use of in-feed antimicrobials. Further studies of promising ATAs and ATA combinations are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Essential oils are regarded as possible substitutions of antibiotics. Some of them show strong antibacterial effects, and other positive effects in the nutrition of monogastric animals. The article aims to summarise the final state of the art concerning their pharmacokinetics in the organism. Last but not least, great attention is paid to their potential toxic effects. Essential oils (EOs) are now a hot topic in finding modern substitutes for antibiotics. Many studies have shown positive results and confirmed their high antibacterial activity both in vitro and in vivo. Deservedly, there is an attempt to use EOs as a substitute for antibiotics, which are currently limited by legislation in animal breeding. Given the potential of EOs, studies on their fate in the body need to be summarized. The content of EO's active substances varies depending on growing conditions and consequently on processing and storage. Their content also changes dynamically during the passage through the gastrointestinal tract and their effective concentration can be noticeably diluted at their place of action (small intestine and colon). Based on the solubility of the individual EO's active substances, they are eliminated from the body at different rates. Despite a strong antimicrobial effect, some oils can be toxic to the body and cause damage to the liver, kidneys, or gastrointestinal tissues. Reproductive toxicity has been reported for Origanum vulgare and Mentha arvensis. Several publications also address the effect on the genome. It has been observed that EOs can show both genoprotective effects (Syzygium aromaticum) and genotoxicity, as is the case of Cinnamomum camphor. This review shows that although oils are mainly studied as promising antimicrobials, it is also important to assess animal safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]