Herbs and Spices as Natural Enhancers of Optimal Poultry Production in the Tropics - A Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51791/njap.vi.6281Keywords:
antioxidant, Antimicrobial, phytogenic feed additive, poultry, performanceAbstract
Recently, the process of using herbs and spices and other plant extracts in animal feeds is term phytogenic feed additives (PFAs). The recent ban on synthetic antibiotic usage as growth promoters and the increased awareness of consumers on the issue has instigated needs for natural alternatives and healthy feed additives to achieve optimal production results of farm animals. These feed additives are gaining popularity in livestock production. However, some studies have shown that some plant materials enhance the palatability of feed. There are indications that they tend to specifically improved digestive enzymes and nutrient intakes activities respectively. However, PFAs alternatives have been suggested since prolonged use of antibiotics has precipitated the growth and development of some resistant strains within groups of primary pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria and the degradation of the symbiosis which exist between animals and desirable flora. However, a wide array of non-therapeutic substitutes (prebiotics, probiotics and symbiotics), especially that of extracts from plants are already in used since the antiquity. They have high significant aroma and medicinal properties. Recent studies on phytogenic feed additives effects in the gut flora of the animal as antimicrobial, antioxidant and regulating agents have increase production generally. This indicates that herbs and spices and other plant derivatives can be considered as growth promoters. However, investigation and evaluation procedures of their therapeutic/substantial beneficial effects, their toxicity and interactions with prescription drugs are still unknown. Thus, to have an improved usage of those phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) indigenous to the tropics these procedures should be considered.