Rating: 5/5 (1 Ratings)

How phytogenics fit the role of an antibiotic alternative

“We have been trialing phytogenics for several years to test efficacy in a commercial environment,” says Greg Mathis, President and Owner, Southern Poultry Research, Inc., Athena, Georgia. As you look for new solutions to feeding challenges, you may want to consider a rising star in the feed additives world: phytogenics.

Phytogenic feed additives have been fed successfully to livestock in the United States for more than 15 years. However, in recent years, producers searching for new approaches to effectively support animal performance without the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) has driven increased interest in the use of phytogenics.

“There’s a tremendous need for antibiotic alternatives as the market demands protein produced without antibiotics,” says Greg Mathis, President and Owner, Southern Poultry Research, Inc., Athena, Georgia. “That’s where phytogenics come into play.”

“We’ve been trialing phytogenics for several years to test efficacy in a commercial environment,” he continues. “Many variables impact the challenge of producing meat without antibiotics, from genetics to management and nutrition. We’ve learned that phytogenics successfully fit into the role of an antibiotic alternative.”

“Where phytogenics have an advantage, versus various other antibiotic alternatives, is that they work in multiple ways, rather than just having a single approach to improving animal performance. Having both anticoccidial and antibacterial properties is key. Any time we can make the gut bacterial population positive and reduce clostridium growth, you’re going to have better gut health.“

Greg Mathis - President and Owner of Southern Poultry Research, Inc.
Essential oils, one out of seven key components of phytogenic feed additives, are becoming an essential part of antibiotic-free feeding programs. ©Delacon

What are phytogenics?

Phytogenic feed additives, commonly defined as plant-based feed additives or botanicals, represent a group of natural substances used in animal nutrition. These substances are derived from herbs, spices, other plants and their extracts, like essential oils. The term phytogenics was coined nearly three decades ago by Delacon. They can consist of many different active ingredient groups, such as pungent substances, bitter substances, essential oils, saponins, flavonoids, mucilages and tannins. This wide range of active ingredients produces numerous effects, including flavor enhancement to help increase feed intake, that ultimately help improve livestock performance.

With the demand to reduce or eliminate antibiotic use not going away any time soon, it’s important to carefully review the alternatives and choose those that best meet your operation and animal nutrition challenges.

Katharina Mayrhuber

Katharina Mayrhuber

Katharina loves to learn, discover and tell feed and food stories globally - using Social Media, visual communications and media relations. She is currently not working actively at Delacon.

Your feedback is valuable

Rate this article

Rating: 5/5 (1 Ratings)

* Required

Your feedback is valuable

Submit a Comment

* Required

Comments

Leykun Lulseged commented on 31. Jul 2021, 01:47pm:

Good ideas are raised by Katharina, to feed the future its important to make sure the foods are safe and healthy, so the concept of phytogenic feed additives should be assessed well with respect to different species of food animals.

Leykun from Haramaya University College of Veteriniary Medicine, Ethiopia

Same but different

Similar blog articles