Effects of a phytogenic feed additive on growth performance, feed intake, and carcass traits of beef steers

Evaluation of a Phytogenic Feed Additive with Essential Oils and Plant Extracts on Growth Performance in Auction-Derived Beef Steers

“…The ratio of observed-to-expected dietary net energy was not impacted by dietary treatment (P ≥ 0.71), hence, it was not anticipated that the phytogenic compound would appreciably influence growth or health outcomes under the conditions of this experiment. While many phytogenic compounds have been investigated as antimicrobial replacements in ruminant species, results have been variable because of differences in composition and source of phytogenic compounds, diet type fed (i.e., forage versus concentrate), stage of production (i.e., growing and fattening versus lactation), and the degree of stress challenge imposed to the animal (i.e., auctionderived versus not auction-derived) [6]. The fact that the steers in the current experiment already had been weaned prior to arrival and had not been commingled with other cattle at any point limited the degree of stress imposed, and consequently those factors limited the ability for cattle to respond to any beneficial aspects of PFA supplementation.…”

“…There is potential that the use of 2 these products in combination with commonly employed therapeutic strategies (i.e., antimicrobial treatment) might aid in controlling systemic inflammation that in turn might reduce the need to use in feed antimicrobials to control disease or repeated antimicrobial use after unsatisfactory initial antimicrobial treatment. Although many phytogenic compounds have been investigated as antimicrobial replacements in many livestock species, results have been variable due to differences in the composition and source of phytogenic compounds, diet type fed, stage of production (i.e., growing and fattening or lactation), and the degree of stress challenge [6]. The objective of this research was to determine if a phytogenic feed additive (PFA) with essential oils and plant extracts based upon thymol, anise, and carvacrol (PHYTOsolvan 200; DOSTOFARM, Westerstede, Germany) influences measures of growth or growth efficiency during the feedlot receiving phase.…”