Potential use of phytobiotics as an alternative to antibiotics in livestock

Abstract

The use of antibiotics as antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in the livestock industry has contributed significantly to increasing livestock productivity. However, overuse and unregulated use have led to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is currently a concern to world health. AGP is restricted by laws in many nations, which promotes the hunt for sustainable and efficient substitutes. Phytobiotics, which are derived from plants and include essential oils, extracts, and pure active compounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and tannins, have attracted attention due to their multifunctional properties. Phytobiotics work through a variety of mechanisms, such as immune system modulation, intestinal microbiota composition regulation, antimicrobial activity that stops the growth of pathogens, antioxidant effects that shield cells from oxidative damage, and stimulation of the secretion of digestive enzymes. According to scientific data, adding phytobiotics to pig, ruminant, and poultry feed can lower the prevalence of infectious illnesses while also increasing feed conversion efficiency, animal product quality, and production performance. Its efficacy is affected by the kind of plant, bioactive constituent content, extraction technique, formulation, and interactions with other feed ingredients. Despite the promising potential of phytobiotics, issues include production costs, heterogeneity in composition due to different plant sources, and standardization of raw material quality. Innovations in formulation, including the application of nanotechnology or mixes with organic acids and probiotics, offer chances to improve efficacy and stability. The livestock industry could use phytobiotics as a safe, sustainable, and eco-friendly antibiotic substitute in the post-AGP age if the right technology is applied and a scientific evidence-based strategy is taken.