Feed additives for swine: Fact sheets – prebiotics and probiotics, and phytogenics

摘要

There is increasing pressure for livestock producers to minimizethe use of antibiotics as growth promoters in food animals. Supplementingbenefi cial microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tractis one potential alternative. A diverse population of benefi cial andpotentially harmful microorganisms exists in the gastrointestinaltract of the pig. In a healthy animal, a delicate balance betweenthese two groups of organisms is maintained. However, duringtimes of stress, such as during weaning in the case of piglets, thisbalance may be affected and can lead to a rapid growth of harmfulmicroorganisms. This may result in poor performance or disease.Thus, prebiotics and probiotics have been the subject of muchresearch over the years as potential replacements for antibioticgrowth promoters in pigs.Restriction on the use of in-feed antibiotics in many countrieshas fueled the interest in alternative products. A group of naturalproducts known as phytogenics has been the focus of several studiesin recent years. Also referred to as phytobiotics or botanicals,phytogenics are plant-derived products used in feed to potentiallyimprove pig performance. Aside from having antimicrobialactivity, these products potentially provide antioxidative effects,enhance palatability, improve gut functions, or promote growth.However, there is limited research validating their potential benefits for pigs.