Phytochemicals as antibiotic alternatives to promote growth and enhance host health

Abstract

Scientists from industry and academia and government research institutes shared their experience in developing and applying potential antibiotic-alternative phytochemicals commercially to reduce AGPs and to develop a sustainable animal production system in the absence of antibiotics. 1 Introduction Antibiotics, since their discovery in the 1920s, have played a critical role in contributing to the economic effectiveness of animal production as feed supplements at sub-therapeutic doses, to improve growth and feed conversion efficiency, and to prevent infections [1]. Furthermore, the general consensus is that these products lack consistency and their efficacies vary among farms and locations. [...]their modes of action need to be better defined. In this Phytochemical Session, we reviewed scientific evidence that phytochemicals stimulate innate immune cells, reduce oxidative stress, maintain gut integrity, promote beneficial bacteria growth, and reduce the negative consequences of inflammation caused by enteric infections as effective antibiotic alternatives to promote animal growth performance in poultry, swine, and beef and dairy production. 2 Plant-derived phytochemicals as antibiotic alternatives Phytochemicals, also referred to as phytobiotics or phytogenics, are natural bioactive compounds that are derived from plants and incorporated into animal feed to enhance productivity [2]. Phytochemicals can be used in solid, dried and ground form or as extracts (crude or concentrated), and also can be classified as essential oils (EOs; volatile lipophilic substances obtained by cold extraction or steam/alcohol distillation) and oleoresins (extracts derived by non-aqueous solvents) depending on the process used to derive the active ingredients [2].