Phytogenic Substances as Safe Growth Promoters in Poultry Nutrition

Antibiotics growth promoters (AGPs) have been used in poultry feed to improve gut health and growth performance for a long time. Increasing concerns about the negative impact of AGPs have led to research on the use of natural feed additives in poultry feed to ascertain better performance and safety in the food chain. Herbs and substances of plant origin (garlic, oregano, thyme, anise, rosemary, and cinnamon) are defined as phytogenics, phytobiotics or botanical natural feed additives. Numerous studies on such substances in poultry production have shown more beneficial effects such as antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, enhancing gut function, etc. These substances have several advantages over commonly used as growth promoters; they are residue-free and safe. Phytogenic substances gained much attention to be ideal growth promoters in poultry nutrition. However, evaluation methods of their effects and interactions with other medical treatments have to be improved. In general, phytogenic substances could be natural and safe growth promoters in animal and poultry feeds.