Essential Oils as Feed Additives—Future Perspectives

Abstract

The inconsistency of phytogenic feed additives’ (PFA) effects on the livestock industry poses a risk for their use as a replacement for antibiotic growth promoters. The livestock market is being encouraged to use natural growth promotors, but information is limited about the PFA mode of action. The aim of this paper is to present the complexity of compounds present in essential oils (EOs) and factors that influence biological effects of PFA. In this paper, we highlight various controls and optimization parameters that influence the processes for the standardization of these products. The chemical composition of EOs depends on plant genetics, growth conditions, development stage at harvest, and processes of extracting active compounds. Their biological effects are further influenced by the interaction of phytochemicals and their bioavailability in the gastrointestinal tract of animals. PFA effects on animal health and production are also complex due to various EO antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-quorum sensing, anti-inflammatory, and digestive fluids stimulating activities. Research must focus on reliable methods to identify and control the quality and effects of EOs. In this study, we focused on available microencapsulation techniques of EOs to increase the bioavailability of active compounds, as well as their application in the animal feed additive industry.

Plant Bioactive Compounds in Pre- and Postharvest Management for Aflatoxins Reduction

“…In vivo studies often show low reliability because the EO composition is usually not fully characterized and active compounds quantified; the effects are not clearly defined because there may be differences in gastrointestinal tract anatomy and functionality also within the same species. When the studies are commercially oriented, some information may be voluntarily scarce (Stevanović et al, 2018). Eventually, limited information is available regarding the interaction between EOs and feed ingredients or other feed additives, such as fibers, probiotics, vitamins, and organic acids (Zeng et al, 2015).…”

Antimicrobial and Antivirulence Action of Eugenia brejoensis Essential Oil in vitro and in vivo Invertebrate Models

“…Plants are known to produce a large variety of molecules with interest for pharmaceutic and food industries, among them are the volatile compounds present in the essential oils (EOs) (Alves et al, 2017;Mittal et al, 2018;Stevanovic et al, 2018;Taghavi et al, 2018;Rao et al, 2019). EOs are complex mixture of secondary metabolites produced by aromatic plants usually involved in their protection against pathogens (Mittal et al, 2018).…”

Applicability of an Unmedicated Feeding Program Aimed to Reduce the Use of Antimicrobials in Nursery Piglets: Impact on Performance and Fecal Microbiota

“…Many of these additives have been shown to promote beneficial effects on the gut ecosystem particularly at weaning, when the microbiota has to face the risk of dysbiosis [3]. Between the positive effects reported, we can find improvements in digestibility, intestinal immunity, and the promotion of beneficial bacteria at the expense of harmful [4][5][6][7].…”