Alternatives to antibiotics for maximizing growth performance and feed efficiency in poultry: a review

AbstractWith the increase in regulations regarding the use of antibiotic growth promoters and the rise in consumer demand for poultry products from ‘Raised Without Antibiotics’ or ‘No Antibiotics Ever’ flocks, the quest for alternative products or approaches has intensified in recent years. A great deal of research has focused on the development of antibiotic alternatives to maintain or improve poultry health and performance. This review describes the potential for the various alternatives available to increase animal productivity and help poultry perform to their genetic potential under existing commercial conditions. The classes of alternatives described include probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, organic acids, enzymes, phytogenics, antimicrobial peptides, hyperimmune egg antibodies, bacteriophages, clay, and metals. A brief description of the mechanism of action, efficacy, and advantages and disadvantages of their uses are also presented. Though the beneficial effects of many of the alternatives developed have been well demonstrated, the general consensus is that these products lack consistency and the results vary greatly from farm to farm. Furthermore, their mode of action needs to be better defined. Optimal combinations of various alternatives coupled with good management and husbandry practices will be the key to maximize performance and maintain animal productivity, while we move forward with the ultimate goal of reducing antibiotic use in the animal industry.

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The Biological Activity of Monarda didyma L. Essential Oil and Its Effect as a Diet Supplement in Mice and Broiler Chicken

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26113368 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (11) ◽

pp. 3368

Author(s):

Héloïse Côté ◽

André Pichette ◽

Alexis St-Gelais ◽

Jean Legault

Keyword(s):

Body Weight ◽

Essential Oil ◽

Feed Efficiency ◽

Body Weight Gain ◽

Antibacterial Properties ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Growth Promoters ◽

Antibiotic Growth Promoters ◽

Monarda Didyma

The use of growth-promoting antibiotics in livestock faces increasing scrutiny and opposition due to concerns about the increased occurrence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Alternative solutions are being sought, and plants of Lamiaceae may provide an alternative to synthetic antibiotics in animal nutrition. In this study, we extracted essential oil from Monarda didyma, a member of the Lamiaceae family. We examined the chemical composition of the essential oil and then evaluated the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities of M. didyma essential oil and its main compounds in vitro. We then evaluated the effectiveness of M. didyma essential oil in regard to growth performance, feed efficiency, and mortality in both mice and broilers. Carvacrol (49.03%) was the dominant compound in the essential oil extracts. M. didyma essential oil demonstrated antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli (MIC = 87 µg·mL−1), Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 47 µg·mL−1), and Clostridium perfringens (MIC = 35 µg·mL−1). Supplementing the diet of mice with essential oil at a concentration of 0.1% significantly increased body weight (+5.4%) and feed efficiency (+18.85%). In broilers, M. didyma essential oil significantly improved body weight gain (2.64%). Our results suggest that adding M. didyma essential oil to the diet of broilers offers a potential substitute for antibiotic growth promoters.

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Clostridium perfringens as Foodborne Pathogen in Broiler Production: Pathophysiology and Potential Strategies for Controlling Necrotic Enteritis

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani10091718 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (9) ◽

pp. 1718

Author(s):

Zuamí Villagrán-de la Mora ◽

María Esther Macías-Rodríguez ◽

Jenny Arratia-Quijada ◽

Yesica Sughey Gonzalez-Torres ◽

Karla Nuño ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clostridium Perfringens ◽

Current Knowledge ◽

Foodborne Pathogen ◽

Dietary Factors ◽

Necrotic Enteritis ◽

Growth Promoters ◽

Immunological Responses ◽

Poultry Products ◽

Source Of Infection ◽

Antibiotic Growth Promoters

Clostridium perfringens (Cp.) is the cause of human foodborne desease. Meat and poultry products are identified as the main source of infection for humans. Cp. can be found in poultry litter, feces, soil, dust, and healthy birds’ intestinal contents. Cp. strains are known to secrete over 20 identified toxins and enzymes that could potentially be the principal virulence factors, capable of degrading mucin, affecting enterocytes, and the small intestine epithelium, involved in necrotic enteritis (NE) pathophysiology, also leading to immunological responses, microbiota modification and anatomical changes. Different environmental and dietary factors can determine the colonization of this microorganism. It has been observed that the incidence of Cp-associated to NE in broilers has increased in countries that have stopped using antibiotic growth promoters. Since the banning of such antibiotic growth promoters, several strategies for Cp. control have been proposed, including dietary modifications, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, phytogenics, organic acids, and vaccines. However, there are aspects of the pathology that still need to be clarified to establish better actions to control and prevention. This paper reviews the current knowledge about Cp. as foodborne pathogen, the pathophysiology of NE, and recent findings on potential strategies for its control.

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Modulation of the Immune Response to Improve Health and Reduce Foodborne Pathogens in Poultry

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms7030065 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 65 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Christina Swaggerty ◽

Todd Callaway ◽

Michael Kogut ◽

Andrea Piva ◽

Ester Grilli

Keyword(s):

Immune Response ◽

Immune System ◽

Foodborne Pathogens ◽

Feed Additive ◽

Gut Health ◽

Growth Promoters ◽

Poultry Products ◽

Antibiotic Growth Promoters ◽

Increasing Demand ◽

Production Animals

Salmonella and Campylobacter are the two leading causes of bacterial-induced foodborne illness in the US. Food production animals including cattle, swine, and chickens are transmission sources for both pathogens. The number of Salmonella outbreaks attributed to poultry has decreased. However, the same cannot be said for Campylobacter where 50–70% of human cases result from poultry products. The poultry industry selects heavily on performance traits which adversely affects immune competence. Despite increasing demand for poultry, regulations and public outcry resulted in the ban of antibiotic growth promoters, pressuring the industry to find alternatives to manage flock health. One approach is to incorporate a program that naturally enhances/modulates the bird’s immune response. Immunomodulation of the immune system can be achieved using a targeted dietary supplementation and/or feed additive to alter immune function. Science-based modulation of the immune system targets ways to reduce inflammation, boost a weakened response, manage gut health, and provide an alternative approach to prevent disease and control foodborne pathogens when conventional methods are not efficacious or not available. The role of immunomodulation is just one aspect of an integrated, coordinated approach to produce healthy birds that are also safe and wholesome products for consumers.

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Magnesium, Zinc, and Chromium Nutrition and Athletic Performance

Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology ◽

10.1139/h2001-038 ◽

2001 ◽

Vol 26 (S1) ◽

pp. S13-S22 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Henry C. Lukaski

Keyword(s):

Mineral Elements ◽

Optimal Performance ◽

Beneficial Effects ◽

Cardiorespiratory Function ◽

Genetic Potential ◽

And Performance ◽

And Function ◽

Study Designs ◽

Advance Knowledge

Magnesium, zinc and chromium are mineral elements required in modest amounts for health and optimal performance. Accumulating evidence supports the hypothesis that magnesium and zinc play significant roles in promoting strength and cardiorespiratory function in healthy persons and athletes. Differences in study designs, however, limit conclusions about recommendations for intakes of magnesium and zinc needed for optimal performance and function. The role of chromium in supporting performance is not well established. There is a compelling need to confirm and extend findings of beneficial effects of magnesium and zinc function and performance of humans. Suggestions for an experimental model and specific topics for research to advance knowledge of mineral nutrition to promote attainment of genetic potential for optimal performance are provided.

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Antibiotic use in animal feed and its impact on human healt

Nutrition Research Reviews ◽

10.1079/095442200108729106 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 279-299 ◽

Cited By ~ 253

Author(s):

Mary D. Barton

Keyword(s):

Food Chain ◽

Animal Feed ◽

Antibiotic Use ◽

Human Medicine ◽

Resistant Bacteria ◽

Growth Promoters ◽

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria ◽

Antibiotic Resistant ◽

Animal Feeds ◽

Antibiotic Growth Promoters

AbstractAntibiotic resistance in bacteria that cause disease in man is an issue of major concern. Although misuse of antibiotics in human medicine is the principal cause of the problem, antibiotic-resistant bacteria originating in animals are contributory factors, with some types of resistance in some species of bacteria. Antibiotics are added to animal feeds to treat and prevent infections and to improve growth and production. Until recently, the major concerns about incorporation of antibiotics in animal feeds related to antibiotic residues in products from treated animals. Although, in 1969, the Swann (1969) report drew attention to the potential for antibiotic-resistant bacteria to spread from treated animals via the food chain, there was little response until the detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in animals fed a related glycopeptide, avoparcin. Subsequently, attention started to focus on the issue and other examples of transfer of resistant bacteria through the food chain, such as enterococci resistant to quinupristin–dalfopristin or to everninomicin, fluoroquinolone-resistant campylobacters and multiresistantEscherichia coli, and salmonella such asSalmonella typhimuriumDT104. Reviews and committees in many countries have highlighted the need for better control of licensing of antibiotics, and codes for prudent use of antibiotics by veterinary practitioners and farmers. The continued use of antibiotic growth promoters has been questioned and there is a need to ensure that antibiotics important in human medicine are not used therapeutically or prophylactically in animals.

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The effect of a formulation of natural essential oils used as an additive with a milk replacer and a compound feed on the feed efficiency of calves

Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science ◽

10.1017/s1752756200000697 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 2000 ◽

pp. 68-68

Author(s):

H.M.R. Greathead ◽

J.M. Forbes ◽

D. Beaumont ◽

C. Kamel

Keyword(s):

Essential Oils ◽

Feed Efficiency ◽

Feed Additive ◽

Food Conversion ◽

Microbial Activities ◽

Growth Promoters ◽

Active Compounds ◽

Antibiotic Growth Promoters ◽

Specific Formulation ◽

The Eu

Some in-feed antibiotic growth promoters have been suspended from use within the EU. Alternatives to these antibiotics are actively being sought, especially ‘natural’ alternatives, such as essential oils, to try and maintain the performance advantage attributed to the use of these antibiotics. Some essential oils, e.g. thyme and origanum, have been shown to have anti-microbial activities (Hammer et al., 1999). The active compounds responsible for this property have been identified, and include cinnamaldehyde, cineol and eugenol. A specific formulation of essential oils reinforced with their active compounds has been combined into a form suitable for use as a feed additive (Multi-Functional Feed Additive, MFA). An experiment was conducted to determine the effect of this MFA on the food conversion ratio (FCR) of calves.

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PSIII-40 Essential oil blend as a possible alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in broiler production

Journal of Animal Science ◽

10.1093/jas/skaa278.651 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 98 (Supplement_4) ◽

pp. 370-371

Author(s):

Bernat Canal ◽

Luis Mesas ◽

Mónica Puyalto ◽

Cinta Sol ◽

Ali Agus ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Analysis Data ◽

Performance Parameters ◽

Growth Promoters ◽

Broiler Production ◽

Antibiotic Growth Promoters ◽

And Performance ◽

Oil Blend ◽

Daily Gain ◽

One Way Anova ◽

Relevant Finding

Abstract Despite the limited use of antibiotics as growth promoters (AGPs) in a number of countries, many others find a useful tool in them. However, many producers in the later regions are transitioning to AGP-free production for commercial reasons. The aim of this trial was to determine whether a blend of essential oils (EO), like oregano or clove, could reach similar production/health parameters compared to an AGP treatment used in broiler production. A total of 1,200 one-day-old chicks were distributed in 2 treatments within 12 floor pens (n = 6). The treatments were: T1-basal feed + AGP (Enramycin 10ppm); T2-basal feed + EO (1kg/t). The trial lasted 35d and performance parameters were recorded weekly. On day 21 and 35, one bird per pen was euthanized for intestinal and carcass analysis. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.0. There were no significant differences in the performance parameters at 35d. A trend was observed of higher BW (P = 0.062) at 28d for EO birds (1,708g) compared to AGP birds (1,671g), which relates to another trend (P = 0.071) of increased daily gain from 21-28d (685g and 653g for EO and AGP treatments respectively). A relevant finding was a significantly (P = 0.034) higher mortality in AGP birds from 0-28d (4.83%) compared to EO birds (3.00%). In the post-mortem analysis no differences were observed in intestinal segments in relative and total length. However, animals from T2 showed a trend (P = 0.077) to have heavier gizzards at 21d, which could indicate an effect of EO on their development, while T1 animals had a significantly heavier cecum at 35d (P = 0.026). No relevant findings were observed in carcass weights and yield. These results suggest that this EO blend could be a valid alternative to AGPs, although further trials under commercial conditions should be carried out to confirm its potential.

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Potency of probiotics Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus casei to improve growth performance and business analysis in organic laying hens

Veterinary World ◽

10.14202/vetworld.2019.860-867 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 12 (6) ◽

pp. 860-867 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Widya Paramita Lokapirnasari ◽

Teguh Bagus Pribadi ◽

Anam Al Arif ◽

Soeharsono Soeharsono ◽

Sri Hidanah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Growth Performance ◽

Feed Efficiency ◽

Lactobacillus Casei ◽

Laying Hens ◽

Feed Conversion ◽

Growth Promoters ◽

Egg Weight ◽

Business Analysis ◽

Antibiotic Growth Promoters ◽

Alternative Antibiotic

Aim: This study aimed to determine the use of probiotics Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus casei as alternative antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) to improve growth performance and business analysis. Materials and Methods: This study used a completely randomized factorial design. The first factor was the time of administration (1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks) and the second was the use of probiotics (control without probiotics; 0.1% AGP and 0.5% Bifidobacterium spp. + 0.25% L. casei). One hundred and eighty laying hens (Lohmann strain), of 30 weeks old, were divided into 12 treatment groups, composed of five replicates, each consisting of three laying hens. Results: The results showed that using 0.5% Bifidobacterium spp. + 0.25% L. casei in weeks 1 and 2 showed the lowest feed intake (FI) (112.11-112.19 g/day), the highest egg weight (60.28 g) in the 1st week, the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) (2.21-2.23), and highest feed efficiency (44.75-45.25%) for 3-4 weeks, and the highest hen-day production (86.66-86.90%) for 3-4 weeks and the most profitable business analysis (IDR. 30,353). Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the addition of 0.5% Bifidobacterium spp. + 25% L. casei probiotics can be used as a substitute for AGP; it can reduce the FI and FCR, increasing egg weight, feed efficiency, and hen-day production, as well as illustrating the results of the most profitable business analysis.

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Global Restriction of Using Antibiotic Growth Promoters and Alternative Strategies in Poultry Production

Science Progress ◽

10.3184/003685018x15173975498947 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 101 (1) ◽

pp. 52-75 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Hossan MD. Salim ◽

Khan Shahidul Huque ◽

Kazi M. Kamaruddin ◽

Anwarul Haque Beg

Keyword(s):

Value Chain ◽

Value Added ◽

Cost Effective ◽

Feed Additives ◽

Production Performance ◽

Poultry Production ◽

Health Food ◽

Growth Promoters ◽

Poultry Products ◽

Antibiotic Growth Promoters

A growing global concern of antibiotic use in poultry diets due to its potential adverse effects on birds and human health, food safety and the environment has led to a complete ban or restricted use in some countries, and, at the same time, expanding options for the use of alternative feed additives. Multiple, rather than a single additive may replace antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry. Blending of feeding additives and hygienic farm management, vaccination and biosecurity may help achieve good intestinal health, stabilise enteric ecosystems and result in sustainable and cost effective production performance of birds. Moreover, controlling unsolicited ingredients at the production level must have the support of different markets responsible for the supply of safe and quality poultry products for consumers. This requires the further increase and diversification of value added poultry products and the expansion of their markets through strategic planning and gradual limitation of live bird markets. More research is warranted in order to explore suitable, reliable and cost effective alternatives to AGPs for commercial use, and strategic poultry value chain development.

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Alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in prevention of diarrhoea in weaned piglets: a review

Veterinární Medicína ◽

10.17221/2998-vetmed ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 55 (No. 5) ◽

pp. 199-224 ◽

Cited By ~ 83

Author(s):

H. Vondruskova ◽

R. Slamova ◽

M. Trckova ◽

Z. Zraly ◽

I. Pavlik

Keyword(s):

Animal Health ◽

Economic Losses ◽

Weaned Piglets ◽

High Adsorption ◽

Growth Promoters ◽

Feed Supplements ◽

Antibiotic Growth Promoters ◽

Natural Clays ◽

High Adsorption Capacity ◽

And Performance

The weaning time is a crucial period in the management of piglets. The risk of development of post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) in piglets is high. PWD is the cause of serious economic losses in pig herds. Since 2006, the use of antibiotic growth promoters for prevention of diarrhoeal diseases in piglets has been banned. This measure also led to the investigation of alternative suitable feed supplements that would be reasonably efficient in protecting and sustaining animal health and performance. Various natural materials such as probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, zinc and plant extracts have been tested as effective alternatives to antibiotics. Recently, owing to their high adsorption capacity, research efforts have been conducted on the application of natural clays and clay-based feed supplements. The purpose of this review is to summarize the effect of different alternative components as growth promoters on the health and performance of weaned and growing piglets.

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