Phytogenics in Animal Nutrition : Natural Concepts to Optimize Gut Health and Performance

Focusing on gut health in animals, this accessible study provides an overview of the potential benefits of phytogenic substances and plant-based feed additives to animal nutrition. This up-to-date and well-researched exploration calls upon the latest scientific knowledge regarding these additives and their potential use as flavoring agents and growth promoters in different animals worldwide—from pigs and poultry to ruminant mammals and aquatic species. It also highlights results from in vitro experiments as well as in vivo trials and shows how these tests have practical implication of phytogenic feeding concepts. Recognizing that the mechanisms in these additives are versatile and still need additional elucidation and scientific proof, this examination intends to help scientists and the feed industry further develop the group of feed additives. Focusing on gut health in animals, his accessible study provides an overview of the potential benefits of phytogenic substances and plant-based feed additives to animal nutrition. This up-to-date and well-researched exploration focuses on the latest scientific knowledge regarding these additives and their potential use as flavoring agents and growth promoters in different animals worldwide, from pigs and poultry to ruminant mammals and aquatic species. It also highlights results from in vitro experiments as well as in vivo trials and shows how these tests have practical implication of phytogenic feeding concepts. Recognizing that the mechanisms in these additives are versatile and still need additional elucidation and scientific proof, this examination intends to help scientists and the feed industry further develop the group of feed additives. Annotation The term "phytogenics", also referred to as botanicals or phytobiotics, describes plant-derived compounds incorporated in animal feed to improve productivity of livestock through amelioration of feed properties and promotion of the animal's production performance. In the last few years phytogenics have gained considerable attention in the feed industry. The in vitro antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidant and other activities of phytogenic compounds are well described and backed up by numerous scientific reports. In the meanwhile, an increasing number of studies addressing the gastro-intestinal effects of phytogenics under in vivo conditions in animal feeding experiments are available. The application of this new type of feed additives in different animal species is reviewed by international experts