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How phytogenics affect animals provides usage insights

Although there is ample information why to use phytogenics, similar knowledge on how these products work inside the animal remains largely unavailable.

bottles-of-essential-oils
Daniel Korzeniewski | Dreamstime.com

Phytogenics are well-known in Europe and some parts of the world, often under different names like essential oils, botanicals and plant extracts. They have been tested and used in poultry diets as a direct replacement to antibiotics that were previously used to promote animal performance. The recent decision to limit the use of similar antibiotics in the feeds of poultry raised in the U.S. has caused a new wave of research and enthusiasm for these rather “exotic” compounds. In fact, they have captivated the U.S. feed market to such degree that their use is expected to surpass consumption in other markets.

Although there is ample information about why to use these compounds, similar knowledge on how these products work inside the animal remains largely unavailable. As the number of phytogenic compounds and commercial mixes of them continue to increase, we need at least a basic understanding on the main mode of action of these molecules to distinguish which product is most suitable for each case, and even to decide which product to buy among several that appear to be similar in composition.

When phytogenics first appeared on the market, they were either mixes of powdered spices or crude extracts of herbs and spices; such products are still available. Nevertheless, the lack of standardization in using such unrefined raw materials meant that quality control was difficult.