Application of herbs and phytogenic feed additives in poultry production | Alloui | Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research

Nadir Alloui
Veterinary and Agricultural Science Institute, University of Batna
Algeria

Prof. Nadir Alloui , Head of poutry Science Division

Mohamed Nabil Alloui

National Research Institute of Animal Production, Balice
Poland

Amir Agabou
Veterinary Sciences Institute, PADESCA, University of Constantine I
Algeria
Related Items

Application of herbs and phytogenic feed additives in poultry production-A Review

Mohamed Nabil Alloui, Amir Agabou and Nadir Alloui*
Corresponding author: Nadir Alloui. Email: ridan2002@hotmail.com

Abstract

During the last decade, herbs and phytogenic compounds have attracted a lot of attention for their potential role as alternatives to
antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in monogastric animals. AGPs have been an integral part of the poultry feed industry for more
than fifty years. However, AGPs alternatives have been searched since antibiotics prolonged use has precipitated the development
of resistant strains within groups of primary pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria and the breakdown of the symbiosis between
animals and desirable flora. Many non-therapeutic substitutes (prebiotics, probiotics and symbiotics), especially plants extracts
from a wide variety of herbs, spices and derivatives, have already been used since the antiquity. They were appreciated for their
specific aroma and various medicinal properties. Recent studies on these compounds have shown some positive effects
(antimicrobial, antioxidant and regulator of the gut flora) in poultry production. This indicates that plant extracts can be considered
as growth promoters; however evaluation procedures of their therapeutic/beneficial effects, their toxicity and interactions with
prescription drugs have to be improved.
Keywords: growth promoters, herbs, phytogenics, poultry production.
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 Application of herbs and phytogenic feed additives in poultry production | Alloui | Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research
prescription drugs have to be improved.
Keywords: growth promoters, herbs, phytogenics, poultry production.

INTRODUCTION
The industrialization of poultry husbandry and the improvement of feed nutritional efficiency have accelerated the introduction of
feed additives which became widely used in animal feed for many decades. The objective outlined by scientists, is to increase
production (eggs, meat) while maintaining animals in good health. The use of antibiotics in poultry feed as a growth promoter is
beneficial in improvement of production parameters and diseases prevention. However this large utilization has led to the
increasing resistance of pathogens to antibiotics and the accumulation of antibiotic residues in animal products and in the
environment. This situation requires the world to restrict using AGPs in animal feed (Nisha, 2008).
The nutritional value of raw materials available to livestock is closely linked to the quality and size of the microbial flora especially
in the host animal digestive tract and its environment. Unlike ruminants, poultry do not have a natural bacterial flora capable of
degrading all nutrients. These animals are characterized by a resistor and a limited immunity against infection due to colonization
by pathogenic microorganisms. This is why, the use of AGPs for the inhibition of pathogenic bacteria has been recommended in
order to improve production performance and animal health. Nevertheless, this is no longer possible after the observation made by
the WHO on antimicrobial resistance in both animals and humans. From 2006, the European Union banned systematically the use
of AGPs in animal feed (http://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/topics/topic/amr.htm).

The removal of AGPs from animal feed may affect their productions performance and foster the resurgence of pathogens causing
illness and economic losses in farms.
In this context, herbs and plant extracts are searched to be incorporated in poultry feed as growth promoters such as probiotics and
prebiotics (Alloui, 2013).
Herbs and plant extracts represent a new class of additives in poultry feed. Their uses are still limited in relation to their mode of
action and aspects of application. In addition, complications may be encountered due to various changes in botanical origins,
transformations and compositions of plants and their extracts. Most of the investigations have studied the interactions of various
active compounds and their physiological impacts and effects on production performance (Figueiredo et al., 2008)
The hypothesis that phytogenic compounds could improve the food palatability has not been demonstrated. Furthermore, it is
believed that the phytogenic compounds can improve the digestive enzyme activity and nutrient absorption.

Many studies have demonstrated their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in vitro but in vivo these results are limited.
In addition, other effects such as anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-infectious and anti-toxigenic have been confirmed in some
researches (Giannenas et al., 2003; 2004; Lopez -Bote, 2004; Burt, 2004; Lee et al., 2004; Walace, 2005; Naidoo et al., 2008;
Ayachi et al., 2009; Arczewska-Wlosek and Swiatkiewicz , 2012; Ahmed et al., 2013; Khan, 2014 ).
All these assumptions are being addressed by the project ‘’REPLACE’’ in the EU programs framework. The objective of this
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 Application of herbs and phytogenic feed additives in poultry production | Alloui | Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research
researches (Giannenas et al., 2003; 2004; Lopez -Bote, 2004; Burt, 2004; Lee et al., 2004; Walace, 2005; Naidoo et al., 2008;
Ayachi et al., 2009; Arczewska-Wlosek and Swiatkiewicz , 2012; Ahmed et al., 2013; Khan, 2014 ).
All these assumptions are being addressed by the project ‘’REPLACE’’ in the EU programs framework. The objective of this
project is to examine the possibility of using plants and their extracts as natural alternatives to antimicrobials in animal feed
(http://www.replace-eu.com).
The aim of this work is to provide a synthesis of current knowledge in the scientific literature demonstrating the efficiency of plants
or their extracts, to replace AGPs in poultry feed.

Definition and regulation of phytogenics feed additives (PFA)

Herbs and plant extracts used in animal feed, called today phytogenics feed additives (PFA), are defined as compounds of plant
origin incorporated into animal feed to enhance livestock productivity through the improvement of digestibility, nutrient absorption
and elimination of pathogens residents in the animal gut ( Kamel, 2001; Balunas and Kinghorn, 2005; Athanasiadou et al., 2007) .
The large variety of plant compounds used as PFA are assembled according to their origin and treatment, such as herbs and spices
(eg: garlic, anise, cinnamon, coriander, oregano, chili, pepper, rosemary and thyme) but also essential oils or oleoresins (Kamel,
2000). Another category of compounds are extracted exclusively from fruits. They are represented by water soluble polyphenols
(flavonoids) which can also be used in animal feed (Lopez –Bote, 2004).
The content of active substances in these products can vary greatly depending on what part of the plant is used (grains, leaves,
roots, bark, flowers, or buds), the harvest season and geographical origin. The technique of treatment (cold, steam distillation,
extraction or maceration with non-aqueous solvents…) also changes the active substances and related compounds in the final
product (Windisch et al., 2008).
The use of feed additives is generally subjected to regulatory restrictions. In general, they are considered as products applied by the
farmer to healthy animals for nutritional purposes on a permanent basis, in contrast with veterinary drugs which are applied for the
prophylaxis and treatment of diagnosed diseases under veterinary supervision for a limited time followed by a waiting period.
In the EU, these feed additives must demonstrate the identity and traceability of the entire commercial product, the claimed
nutritional effects in addition to proofs of absence of interaction with other compounds. They must be tolerated by the animals, the
users (farmers, manufacturers of animal feed) and the environment (European Commission 2003).
Problems using these plant extracts in animal feed may occur and cause physiological disturbances in animals, in relation with
biochemical interactions within the animal organism. This is why the study of their use in diets will focus not only on their
antioxidant, antimicrobial activities and their beneficial effects on palatability and intestinal functions, but also on their
effectiveness to promote animal growth as AGPs.

Antioxidant action of PFA

The antioxidant properties of herbs and spices have been largely described by Craig ( 1999), Nakatani (2000) , Lambert et al.,
(2001) ; Ruberto et al., (2002) ; Wei and Shibamoto (2007). Among the varieties of plants with antioxidant constituents, plants of
the Labiatae families (like mint) have attracted a great interest. Their antioxidative activities are due to phenolic terpenes (Cuppett
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The antioxidant properties of herbs and spices have been largely described by Craig ( 1999), Nakatani (2000) , Lambert et al.,
(2001) ; Ruberto et al., (2002) ; Wei and Shibamoto (2007). Among the varieties of plants with antioxidant constituents, plants of
the Labiatae families (like mint) have attracted a great interest. Their antioxidative activities are due to phenolic terpenes (Cuppett
and Hall, 1998). Other herbs species with antioxidative properties such as thyme and oregano contain large amounts of
monoterpenes, thymol and carvacrol (Ruberto et al., 2002; Rahim et al., 2011). Plants rich with flavonoids such as green tea and
other Chinese herbs have been described as natural antioxidant (Nakatani, 2000; Piao et al., 2006; Wei and Shibamoto, 2007).
Black pepper (Piper nigrum), red pepper (Capsicum annuum L) and chili (Capsicum fretuscene) contain also several antioxidative
compounds (Nakatani, 1994) but in many of these plants, the parts containing the active substances are of a very fragrant and/or
spicy taste leading to restrictions of their use in animal feed.
The antioxidant properties of several PFA can contribute to dietary lipids protection from oxidation. This aspect has not been
described in poultry feed; however Labiatae plants used as antioxidants in feed diet of small animals is very encouraging (Cuppett
and Hall, 1998).
The activity of Labiatae phenolic compounds in improving the stability of animal products has been demonstrated in broiler
chickens by several authors (Botsoglou et al., 2002a; Botsoglou et al., 2003; Basmacioglu et al., 2004; Giannenas et al., 2005;
Florou - Paneri et al., 2006). The oxidative stability was also demonstrated with other PFA (Botsoglou et al., 2004; Govaris et al.,
2004; Schiavone et al., 2007). However, it is uncertain whether these phytogenics antioxidants can replace commonly used
antioxidants in feeds (α - tocopherol) in common feeding practices.
The use of PFA as an antioxidant is not only important for the poultry health, but also for the oxidative stability of their products
(meat). Supplementation of turkey feed with 200 mg extract of oregano / kg feed significantly decreases lipid per-oxidation during
refrigerated storage of fresh and cooked meat (Botsoglou et al., 2003).
The use of PFA instead of antioxidants is costly. However, this economic impact can be reduced by intensifying systemic needed
plants and developing new technological processes of extraction.

Actions on palatability and digestion of FPA

Some PFA were sometimes seen as having a role to improve the taste and feed palatability. This implies an improvement in poultry
production performance. The number of studies that tested the effect of plant extracts on palatability is very limited in this specie.
In general, an increase in feed intake in chickens is much more due to additives such as organic acids, probiotics and prebiotics
(Catala - Gregori et al., 2007). Thus, the assumption that herbs, spices and extracts improve the feed palatability does not seem to
be justified in general (Windisch et al., 2008).
A wide range of PFA is known to exert beneficial actions on the gastrointestinal tract, such as spasmolytic, laxative or against
flatulence (Chrubasik et al., 2005). In Chinese medicine, cinnamon (Cinnamonum cassia zeylanicum) was used against diarrhea
and reduced appetite. Smith-Palmer et al., (1998) found cinnamon extract, thyme and clove to be efficient against several bacteria.
Furthermore, stimulation of the digestive secretions of bile, mucus, saliva and improvement of enzymes activities are of great
nutritional interest (Platel and Srinivasan, 2004).
Other researchers have shown that essential oils used in chickens have positively influenced the activity of trypsin and amylase
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Furthermore, stimulation of the digestive secretions of bile, mucus, saliva and improvement of enzymes activities are of great
nutritional interest (Platel and Srinivasan, 2004).
Other researchers have shown that essential oils used in chickens have positively influenced the activity of trypsin and amylase
(Lee et al., 2003; Jang et al., 2004; Jamroz et al., 2005). It was also found that the phytogenic additives have a stimulatory effect on
intestinal mucus in chickens. This effect is assumed to influence the adhesion of pathogens and in consequence help to stabilize the
microbial equilibrium in the chicken gut (Jamroz et al., 2006).
These improvements could also be due to morphological changes induced in the gut such as villi and crypts size modifications in
the jejunum and colon of PFA ingesting chickens (Jamroz et al., 2006).
Srivastava et al., (1995); Kumar and Berwal, (1998) showed that the use of garlic oil (Allium sativum) have anti-tumoral and anti-
oxidative properties. Similarly, a British study showed a positive effect of garlic on growth and feed intake in chickens (Lewis et
al., 2003). These authors concluded that garlic may have a positive effect on the gut flora by reducing pathogenic bacteria
explaining the improved chicken performances.
All these observations encourage the assumption that these additives may favorably affect the gut functions, but the number of in
vivo studies in poultry is still limited.

Antimicrobial and immune actions of FPA

PFA are well known for their antimicrobial effects in vitro against important pathogens but also against fungi (Allen et al., 1997;
Smith -Palmer et al., 1998; Cosentino et al., 1999; Waldenstedt, 1998, 2003; Giannenas and Kyriazakis, 2009).
Most studies show a greater sensitivity of Gram + bacteria compared to Gram- (Shelef, 1983; Zaika, 1988; Smith -Palmer et al.,
1998; Ceylan and Fung, 2004). This does not mean that the plant extracts are not active on Gram - bacteria, but the dosage should
be higher. In addition, the antimicrobial activity is dependent on the physico-chemical characteristics of plant compounds and
bacterial strains used (Sari et al., 2006). Burt and Reindeers (2003) observed an antibacterial effect of essential oils of oregano and
thyme against E. coli (Gram -) at a dose of 0.6 ml / L.
Ayachi et al., (2009) studied the in vitro effect of some extracts of berries, dates and thyme to fight against E. coli and Salmonella
isolates from chicken. These authors concluded that only the thyme would be effective against Salmonella.
Thyme would work with the most active compounds (thymol and carvacrol) against fungi such as Candida albicans (Cosentino et
al., 1999). Other investigations have demonstrated the effectiveness of walnut leaves (Juglandaceae) to reduce the proliferation of
Clostridium perfrengens in chickens but also to enhance the growth of these birds (Lovland and Kaldhusdal, 2001 ; Engberg et al.,
2007; Mathis et al., 2007). Clove frequently used as a spice is very rich in eugenol. It is used as an antibacterial in human and
veterinary medicine (Nascimento et al., 2000; Rhayour et al., 2003).
The essential oil of oregano contains about 60% carvacrol and 10% thymol with a demonstrated effectiveness against some strains
of salmonella (Koscova et al., 2006) located in the digestive tract of chicken. However, to have a good efficacy against several
types of microorganisms, it is interesting to combine several extracts devoid of chemical incompatibility. The same way as
antibiotics, antibacterials from plants do not distinguish between commensal and pathogenic bacteria. It is worth-noting that, as
other bacteria, the lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are less sensitive to plant extracts, which is reassuring, because they are used as
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 Application of herbs and phytogenic feed additives in poultry production | Alloui | Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research
types of microorganisms, it is interesting to combine several extracts devoid of chemical incompatibility. The same way as
antibiotics, antibacterials from plants do not distinguish between commensal and pathogenic bacteria. It is worth-noting that, as
other bacteria, the lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are less sensitive to plant extracts, which is reassuring, because they are used as
probiotics.
PFA are an interesting solution to clean the digestive tract of birds which is very useful in diseases prevention in poultry (Shelef,
1983). Additionally, some plant extracts have demonstrated an activity against some chicken parasites, especially coccidia
(Eimeria spp) (Giannenas et al., 2003, 2004; Christakis et al., 2004; Naidoo et al., 2008; Rczewska-Wlosek and Swiatkiewicz,
2012).
Betaine is a byproduct of the sugar beet industry; it has recently been a subject of several studies in the USA and Sweden. It seems
to have a positive impact in fighting coccidiosis. In Sweden, Waldenstedt et al., (1999) showed that the addition of betaine in the
poultry feed, reduced weight loss during coccidial infection by different Eimeria species in poultry. It protects against osmotic
stress associated with dehydration and permits normal metabolic activity of cells. However, the protective effects of betaine on the
intestinal cells are also exerted on parasitic cells.
Turmeric is a spice coming from the rhizome of Curcuma longa. It is used as a food coloring, but also for medicinal purposes. The
active component is curcumin, a phenolic compound at concentrations of about 1 to 5%. It has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and
anti-tumoral activities. In infected chicken with Eimeria maxima, supplementation of feed with 1% turmeric spice improves weight
gain, reduces intestinal lesions and oocyst excretion. Curcumin exerts its anticoccidial effect through its antioxidant action on the
immune system (Allen et al., 1998). Soltan et al., (2008) found that the supplementation of poultry feed with anise grains, improved
blood parameters and increased the phagocytic activity and lymphocyte counts. Cinnamon has also an immuno-stimulating effect
that can be attributed to its anti-oxidant property.
In addition to all these antimicrobial implications, phytogenics improve the microbial carcass hygiene and the preservation quality,
in relation with their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties (Botsoglu et al., 2002b; Ruberto et al., 2002; Aksit et al., 2006).
According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), this alternative should be considered as one of the most effective ways
to reduce the microbial contamination of food and to control the spread of foodborne diseases within the human population through
the food chain. Addition of plants extracts in foods and / or systems used on carcass surfaces decreases the bacterial contamination
of poultry products (Gülmez et al., 2006). In the improvement of microbial carcass hygiene, oils extracted from plants (such as
oregano, rosemary, sage) have a positive effect (Young et al., 2003; Govaris et al., 2007). However, it is too early to conclude that
these decontamination methods are entirely effective and reliable.

Effects of FPA on production performances

The effects of FPA on production performance have shown promising results. Cabuk et al., (2006) measured production parameters
in chickens grown on feed supplemented with a mixture of essential oils of oregano, bay leaf, sage, anise and citrus. This mixture
has significantly improved feed conversion resulting of high nutrients availability due to changes in the intestinal ecosystem.
Lippens et al., (2005) have attempted to assess the effectiveness of a mixture composed of cinnamon, oregano, thyme, cayenne
pepper, citrus extracts and of another mixture of plant extracts and organic acids in comparison with the avilamicine in chicken
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 Application of herbs and phytogenic feed additives in poultry production | Alloui | Global Journal of Animal Scientific Research
has significantly improved feed conversion resulting of high nutrients availability due to changes in the intestinal ecosystem.
Lippens et al., (2005) have attempted to assess the effectiveness of a mixture composed of cinnamon, oregano, thyme, cayenne
pepper, citrus extracts and of another mixture of plant extracts and organic acids in comparison with the avilamicine in chicken
feed. The supplemented with plant extracts group of animals reached a much larger body weight than the other groups. Apparently,
the increase in body weight was due to the increase of feed intake. This was attested by a reduced feed conversion in animals of the
plant extracts group (0.4% lower than avilamicine group and 2.9% lower than the organic acids group).
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum), is an annual legume, cultivated all over the world, it is one of the herbs with multi-
functional characteristics. It is a good source of dietary proteins for humans and animals. Fenugreek seeds supplementation
improved significantly feed conversion ratio of broiler chickens which might be related to morphological changes in the
gastrointestinal tissues (Srinivasan, 2006; Alloui et al., 2012; Mamoun et al., 2014).
The inclusion of anise seeds at a level of 0.5-0.75/kg corn-soybean-meal diet administered to broilers during 6 weeks, improved
their body weight gain, performance index and relative growth rate. In contrast, a higher inclusion level of anise seeds (1.5 g/kg
diet) reduced growth performance (Soltan et al., 2008).
Garlic (Allium sativum), thyme (Thymus vulgarus) and conflower (Echinacea purpurea) as feed supplements have recently been
reported to exert a wide range of beneficial effects on the production performance (weight gain, feed conversion, egg production
and quality) of broilers and laying hens (Aji et al., 2011; Rahimi et al., 2011; Khan et al., 2012).
Bolukbasi and Erhan, (2007) studied the effect of dietary supplementation with thyme on performance of laying hens and E. coli
concentrations in their feces. Thyme addition to basal diet at the level of 0.1-0.5% have given an improvement in feed conversion
and egg production associated to a decline of E.coli concentration in feces.
Effect of PFA on egg quality traits, such as yolk composition, shell thickness or Haugh Unit rating, were reported in a few studies
only, whereas the majority of reports did not identify substantial effects (Nichol and Steiner, 2008; Singh, 2009; Navid et al., 2013 )
.

CONCLUSION
PFAs are good alternatives to replace AGPs. They can be combined with other compounds such as prebiotics or probiotics to
promote the performance of poultry production. Phytogenics have been used since a very long time, but empirically. General
mechanisms of action were little known in humans and animals. Nowadays, much progress has been made to evaluate their effects
on the poultry organism. For this, it is the responsibility of additive-manufacturers to promote and control these products taking
into consideration all legislative requirements governing the production and marketing of these products.
The identification, composition, effectiveness, toxicity and residues analysis, traceability and the risk of manipulation are the main
factors to control during the manufacturing process. The industry of animal feeds and especially the poultry one must bring to
market an effective, cheap diet of high quality.

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