Phytogenics as natural gut health management tools for sustainable poultry production

Abstract

Phytogenics are bioactive plant components that are intensively researched for their beneficial effects on poultry performance and health. Ongoing nutrigenomic studies provide mechanistic evidence for phytogenic benefits at the cellular molecular level. Critical biomarkers for gut function and health have been shown to be responsive to stressor challenges as well as to phytogenic administration. In particular, it has been shown that phytogenics induce opposite effects to the detrimental ones induced by stressor challenges, thereby providing opportunities to alleviate the negative effects of stressors on poultry production and health. Therefore, credible promotion of poultry gut function and health via phytogenic administration results in better feed utilization, higher production, healthier products, better poultry welfare, less environmental impact and production sustainability respecting the circular economy and green deal initiatives. Furthermore, phytogenics as valuable parts of overall disease prevention strategies align with the One Health initiative for healthy humans, healthy animals and a healthy planet.