Use of Herbs as Feed Additives in Broiler Feeds for Sustainable Poultry Farming in India
Recent ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in poultry feeds has drawn the concerns of researchers towards the presence of various natural substances like medicinal herbs, as a new class of additives to animal and poultry feeds, have beneficial properties such as anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and anti-fungal as well as immune-modulatory and anticoccidial effects. There are plenty resources of different kinds of medicinal herbs which can be used as natural feed additives for poultry. Commonly known herbs that have received particular attention from researchers are Aloe vera, Fenugreek, Ashwagandha, Moringa oleifera, Cinnamon, Tulsi, Garlic, Pepper etc. Herbal preparations help in the digestion process and being a component of nature, these preparations are considered safe, cost effective and environment friendly with no side effect. Hence, their inclusion in the diet should be encouraged to enhance the bird’s performance, improve feed utilization, maintain health and alleviate adverse effect of environmental stress.
Beside the feed enzymes, probiotics (for monogastric animals mainly lactobacilli), prebiotics (oligosaccharides), organic acids, the herbs and botanicals can be used as feed additives. A definition can be derived from Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language (1989):
Herb: A flowering plant whose stem above ground does not become woody and persistent. A plant when valued for its medical properties, flavor, scent, or the like. Spices: Any of a class of pungent or aromatic substances of vegetable origin, as pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and the like, used as seasoning, preservatives, etc. Botanical: A drug made from part of a plant, as from roots, leaves, bark etc. Essential oils are any of a class of volatile oils obtained from plants, possessing the odor and other characteristic properties of the plant, used chiefly in the manufacture of perfumes, flavors and pharmaceuticals (Extracts after hydro – distillation).
Mode of action
The mode of action of herbs and plant extracts has not been fully elucidated. Most of the herbs have antibacterial, coccidiostatic, antihelminthic, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory or particularly, antioxidant properties. Herbs and spices can protect the feed against oxidative deterioration during storage. This is a widely used practice in food industry. The commonly used herb for feed/food preservation is rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis). It can be used alone or in combination with tocopherols or synthetic antioxidants . Herbs and their mixture can ameliorate the performance of birds by improving digestive tract function, by antiinflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-microbial effects and in addition some have influences on different physiological functions. Herbs may exert multiple functions in the bird’s body system . Most of them act as sialagogues and stimulate the secretion of saliva, which makes swallowing easier. The extracts from Salvia officinalis, Thymus vulgaris and Rosmarinus officinalis and the blend of carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde and capsaicin improved feed digestibility in broilers . Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller), found in tropical and sub-tropical climates and most important part of Aloe vera is its leaf which is composed of two main sections: latex and gel . The gel contained in Aloe vera leaves is composed of about 98.5% to 99.5% water and the remaining dry matter contains more than 75 biologically active ingredients which have medicinal properties. Major ingredients of Aloe vera include anthraquinones, saccharides, vitamins, enzymes, and low-molecular-weight compounds which give Aloe vera its anti inflammatory, immunomodulatory, wound-healing, anti-viral, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, antidiabetic, and anti-oxidant effects . Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) grows naturally in sandy, alluvial and clay soils and cultivated all over the World Fenugreek, an annual legume, is one of the herbs having multi-functional characteristics . Fenugreek is also used as an appetiser. Previously, it has also been reported to have anti-microbial, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hypocholestoremic and antioxidant effect . Nazar and El Tinay reported that its seeds contain 28.4% protein, 9.3% crude fibre and 7.1% crude fat. TFG (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seeds contain 7.5% total lipids, of which neutral lipids constituted 84.1%, glycolipids 5.4% and phospholipids 10.5% . Whole TFG (Trigonella foenumgraecum) seed contains about 1.7- 4.8% saponins. TFG seed has many chemical compounds viz., N, N’-dicarbazyl, glycerol monopalmitate, stearic acid, beta-sitosteryl glucopyranoside, ethylalpha- D-glucopyranoside, D-3-Omethylchiroinsitol and sucrose [50], flavonoids vitexin, tricin, naringenin, quercetin and tricin-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside [40], saponins Xa, Xb, XIb, XIIa, XIIb, XIIIa, Ia, Ib, and Va, glycoside D, trigonelloside C, and compound C , Iia, Iib, IIIa, IIIb, glycoside D and trigofoenoside A . Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has long been used in traditional medicine in India . It has immunomodulatory , antioxidant , hepatoprotective and antibacterial effects. Moringa oleifera leaves are reported to have potential prebiotic effects and potentially antioxidant phytochemicals, such as chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid . Moringa oleifera leaf meal, widely available in many tropical countries, is also a good source of antioxidant compounds such as ascorbic acid, flavonoids, phenolics and carotenoids . Garlic and ginger as natural growth promoters can be potential alternatives for common artificial growth promoters like antibiotics . Ginger is the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale, consumed as a delicacy, medicine, or spice. Ginger extract might control the quantity of free radicals and the peroxidation of lipids and have anti-diabetic properties . Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used as a spice and a native medicine for many years. It has possessed antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral, antioxidant, anticholesteremic, anti-cancerous, and vasodilator characteristics
In comparison with the vast number of research papers published on the plant extract supplementation to broiler diets in the past decade there is relatively little published data on laying hens and broiler breeders (Ather, 2000) , which demonstrated antioxidant, immune-stimulator, and performance enhancer aspects. In a study by Ather . 48-wk old broiler breeders were given diets supplemented with a polyherbal additive that consisted of 6 herbs. The author reported that hen-day egg production, settable egg rate, and fertility significantly improved for hens receiving the herbal additive supplementation in their diet during the 8-wk trial period. Çabuk et al. studied the hen-day egg production of brown layers between 54 to 74 wk of age that were given diets supplemented individually with an Essential Oil Premix (EOM), Antibiotic (ANT), and mannan oligosaccharide were 79.64, 77.05, and 78.92%, respectively; hence, the egg production rate for EOM and mannan oligosaccharide treatments was significantly higher than that of the ANT group (P<0.01).
MODES OF ACTION OF HERBS AND BOTANICALS
Beneficial effects of herbs or botanicals in farm animals may arise from activation of feed intake and secretion of digestive secretions, immune stimulation, anti-bacterial, coccidiostatic, anthelmintic, antiviral or anti-inflammatory activity and inhibition or – particularly – antioxidant properties. Most of these active secondary plant metabolites belong to the classes of isoprene derivatives, flavonoides and glucosinolates, and a large number of these compounds has been suggested to act as antibiotics or as antioxidants in vivo as well as in food. A main activity takes place in the digestive tract. Herbs or the phytochemicals can influence selectively the micro-organisms by an anti-microbial activity or by a favorable stimulation of the eubiosis of the microflora. The consequence can be a better nutrient utilization and absorption or the stimulation of the immune system. Finally herbs can contribute to the nutrient requirements of the animals and stimulate the endocrine system and intermediate nutrient metabolism. Immune system and a stable, beneficial microflora (eubiosis) must be buildup. For that a regular intake of feed and water is of a high priority. Often the desired activity of herbs is not constant. Conflicting results may arise from the natural variability of the composition of plant secondary metabolites. Variety and environmental growth conditions, harvesting time and state of maturity, method and duration of conservation and storing, extraction method of the plants, as well as possible synergistic or antagonistic effects, anti-nutritional factors or microbial contamination are factors which may substantially affect the results of in vivo experiments.
The herbal feed additives exert their beneficial effects by Influence of herbal feed additives on feed intake, digestibility of nutrients and animal performance:
After the ban on antibiotics, more herbs are used as feed additives for a better growth condition. Due to the wide variety of active components, different herbs and spices affect digestion processes differently. Most of them stimulate the secretion of saliva. Curcuma, cayenne pepper, ginger, anis, mint, onions, fenugreek, and cumin enhance the synthesis of bile acids in the liver and their excretion in bile, what beneficially effects the digestion and absorption of lipids. Most of the prelisted spices stimulate the function of pancreatic enzymes (lipases, amylases and proteases); some also increase the activity of digestive enzymes of gastric mucosa. Besides the effect on bile synthesis and enzyme activity, extracts from herbs and spices accelerate the digestion and shorten the time of feed/food passage through the digestive tract (Frankic et al., 2009). Plant herbs such as garlic (Allium sativum), lemon grass (Cymbopogon citrates) and peppermint (Mentha piperita) are widely used as antibacterial agents and extensively used to maintain the microbial ecosystem of the gastrointestinal tract especially in tropical regions (Shin and Kim, 2004). Garlic as an alternative growth promoter in livestock production reported improved growth rate, digestibility and carcass traits (Kongmun et al., 2011). Lemongrass and peppermint have been reported as feed additives to improve production performance of beef and dairy cattle (Yang et al., 2007). Recently menthol (Mentha arvensis) is reported to improved ileal protein and amino acid digestibility thus feed efficiency in weaned piglets (Maenner et al., 2011) and black paper improved performance in broiler chicken (Tazi et al., 2014).
Herbal feed additives as antimicrobial supplements:
Several studies showed strong antimicrobial activity of certain plant extracts against Gram- and Gram+ bacteria. Plants readily synthesize substances for their defense against insects, herbivores, and microorganisms. Moreover, they may produce secondary antimicrobial metabolites as a part of their normal growth and development or in response to stress. Several researches have studied the antimicrobiol effect of oriental herbs including Allium sativum, Angelica dahurica, Anguisorba officinalls, Artemisia argyi, Coptis chinensis, Dictamnus dasycarpus, Fraxinus rhynchophylla, Geranium thunbergii, Hydrastis canadensis, Phellodenron amurense, Polygonum cuspidatum, Scutellria baicalensis and Sophora flavesens. These herbs contain major flavonoid components, baicalin, baicalein, limonene, cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol or eugenol which exerts antimicrobial effect along with other supportive herbs. These herbs have antibacterial effect against Salmonella spp or E. coli and gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus spp. and Streptococcus spp. Active principles in herbal feed additives changes fatty acid composition which can affect surviving ability of microorganisms by increasing hydrophobicity. This confirms the fact that herbs and spices act as antimicrobial agents by changing the characteristics of cell membranes, and causing ion leakage, thus making microbes less virulent. Plant extracts, known as phytobiotics, have been exploited for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-parasitic activities. There is a lot of variations in the composition of phytobiotics due to the biological factors (plant species, growing location, and harvest conditions), manufacturing (extraction/ distillation and stabilization) and the storage conditions (light, temperature, oxygen tension, and time; Huyghebaert et al., 2011).
Herbal feed additives as anti-inflammatory:
Extracts of curcuma, red pepper, black pepper, cumin, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon, mint and ginger showed anti-inflammatory effect. The major active molecules with anti-inflammatory action are phenols, terpenoids and flavonoids. These molecules suppress the metabolism of inflammatory prostaglandins. Phenolic compounds of plants are hydroxylated derivatives of benzoic acid and cinnamic acids and have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory effects. Flavonoids have long been recognized to possess antiinflammatory, anti-allergic, antiviral and antiproliferative activities (Muanda et al., 2011). The most known herbs and spices with anti inflammatory potential are chamomile, marigold, liquorice and anis (Frankic et al., 2009). Plants of the Labiatae families (like mint) have attracted a great interest. Their antioxidative activities are due to phenolic terpenes (Cuppett and Hall, 1998). Thyme and oregano contain large amounts of monoterpenes, thymol and carvacrol (Rahim et al., 2011). Plants rich with flavonoids such as green tea and other Chinese herbs have been described as natural antioxidant (Wei and Shibamoto, 2007). Black pepper (Piper nigrum), red pepper (Capsicum annuum L) and chili (Capsicum fretuscene) contain also several antioxidative compounds (Nakatani, 1994). But in many of these plants, the parts containing the active substances are of a very fragrant and/or spicy taste leading to restrictions of their use in animal feed. Recently anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, wound-healing, antioxidant, and anti-diabetic effects properties of Aloe vera have been reviewed for poultry (Babak and Nahashon, 2014)
Herbal feed additives as antioxidants:
Antioxidants are compounds that help delay and inhibit lipid oxidation and when added to foods tend to minimize rancidity, retard the formation of toxic oxidation products, and help maintain the nutritional quality (Muanda et al., 2011). The healthpromoting effect of antioxidants from plants is thought to arise from their protective effects by counteracting reactive oxygen species. Several studies suggested that plants rich in antioxidants play a protective role in health and against diseases, and their consumption lowered risk of cancer, heart disease, hypertension and stroke. The antioxidant potential of medicinal plants may be related to the concentration phenolic substances (flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins, proanthocianidins, phenolic acids, phenolic terpenes) and some vitamins (E, C and A). Garlic and onion biological action products are ascribed to its sulfur-containing active principle which has been reported to their lipid lowering effects and inhibit oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (Ahmed and Bassuony, 2009). Often used herbs rich in phenolics are: rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, green tea, chamomile, ginko, dandelion and marigold. Herbs and spices can protect the feed against oxidative deterioration during storage.
Herbal feed additives as immunostimulant:
The immune system generally benefits from the herbs and spices rich in flavonoids, vitamin C and carotenoids. The plants containing molecules which possess immunostimulatory properties are echinacea, liquorice, garlic and cat’s claw. These plants can improve the activity of lymphocytes, macrophages and NK cells; they increase phagocytosis or stimulate the interpheron synthesis (Frankic et al., 2009). Lavinia et al. (2009) have shown that essential oils extracted from medicinal plants improve the immune response and also are able to cause changes of the duodenal mucosa with beneficial effects for the animal (Lavinia et al., 2009). Recently effect of ßglucan and cow urine distillate have been highlighted as immunomodulator in broiler chicken (Ganguly, 2013).
Herbal feed additives as coccidiostat:
some plant extracts have demonstrated an activity against some chicken parasites, especially coccidian (Naidoo et al., 2008) Betaine is a byproduct of the sugar beet industry; it has recently been seems to have a positive impact in fighting coccidiosis. It protects against osmotic stress associated with dehydration and permits normal metabolic activity of cells. However, the protective effects of betaine on the intestinal cells are also exerted on parasitic cells. The active component is curcumin; a phenolic compound coming from the rhizome of Curcuma longa exerts its anticoccidial effect through its antioxidant action on the immune system. Galla rhois and Nectaroscordum tripedale extracts have shown promising result against coccidial infection.
Advantages of Herbal Feed Additives-
Selection and feeding of herbal feed additives over other feed additives is due to 1. Natural constituent of feeds.
2. Absence of residual effects.
3. Non-hazardous eco-friendly.
4. Minimum problem of drug resistance.
Limitations of Herbal Feed Additives
- Not easily quantifiable and standardized due to their complex composition. • The location, soil type, weather conditions, altitude, season during which the plant is grown, harvesting procedure and storage conditions may affect the composition of plants. • Although majority of herbals are stable, there are various constituents which are photo labile thermo labile thus less stable. • Variety and environmental growth conditions, harvesting time and state of maturity, method and duration of conservation and storing, extraction method of the plants, as well as possible synergistic or antagonistic effects, anti-nutritional factors or microbial contamination are factors which may substantially affect the use of herbal feed additives.
Importance of Herbs:
Since ancient times, plants and its parts have been an indispensable source of medicine for indigenous poultry production systems. Although modern medical science has developed to a great extent but local medical traditions are being lost because they are largely undocumented. Very little has been done to verify and validate gathered information.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa):
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae with medicinal properties known to possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Rhizome is the portion of medicinal importance and is usually boiled, cleaned, dried and powdered before usage. In medieval Europe, turmeric became known as Indian saffron, since it was widely used as an alternative to the far more expensive saffron spice.
Composition:
Dried Turmeric
Protein 6.3%
Fat 5.1%
Mineral 3.5%
Carbohydrate 69.4%
Moisture 13.1%
Essential Oil ~5%
Curcumin 5%
The active ingredients of turmeric are tetrahydro curcuminoids, curcumin, dimethoxy curcumin and bismethoxy curcumin.
Uses:
The continuing research indicates that turmeric and its active compound “Curcumin” are unique antioxidants, antimutagenic, antitumorigenic, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antiarthritis, antimicrobial and hypocholesterolemic properties. Therapeutic properties of turmeric includes antioxidant, antidiabetic, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal, antiviral and hypocholesteremic activities.
Turmeric and curcumin have been shown to protect liver against a variety of toxicants including carbon tetrachloride, aflatoxin B and cyclophosphamide in mouse, rat and duckling. The curcuminoids (yellowish pigments) present in turmeric powder have shown protective effect against aflatoxin B. The traditional usage of turmeric in various conditions like biliary disorders, anorexia, cough, diabetes, wounds, hepatic disorders, rheumatism and sinusitis. Rhizome is also used as carminative, diuretic, hepato protective and in treatment of urinary tract and skin diseases like scabies, leech bites and bruises.
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Ocimum tenuiflorum, is an aromatic plant in the family Lamiaceae, which is native throughout the old World tropics and widespread as a cultivated plant and an escaped weed. The two main morph types cultivated in India and Nepal are green-leaved (Sri or Lakshmi Tulsi) and purple-leaved (Krishna Tulsi).
Composition:
Tulsi contains eugenol (1-hydroxy 2-methoxy 4 allyl benzene) a phenolic compound and ursolic acid having pharmacological effects. Some of the main chemical constituents of Tulsi are oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rosmarinic acid, eugenol, carvacrol, linalool, β-caryo-phyllene, β-elemene (about 11.0%), β-caryophyllene (about 8%), and germacrene D (about 2%.
Uses:
It is an effective treatment for reducing blood glucose levels and total cholesterol levels. Tulsi also shows some promise for protection from radiation poisoning and cataracts. The fixed oil has demonstrated antihyperlipidemic and cardio-protective effects in rats fed a high fat diet. An alcoholic extract of Tulsi modulates immunity, thus promoting immune system function. O. sanctum extracts are antibacterial against E. coli, S. aureus and P. aeruginosa.
Tulsi is a well known therapeutic agent for several pathological conditions possess antistress and antioxidant properties. The medicinal herb has been known to possess remarkable biological activities like antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, anti cancerous, anti oxidant, anti inflammatory, hepatoprotective and cardiopro-tective etc. Other therapeutic potential actions of tulsi includes antifungal, antispasmodic, antiemetic, analgesic, hypolipidemic and antiviral also. It could inhibit the lipid peroxidation.
Amla (Phyllanthus emblica)
Phyllanthus emblica (syn. Emblica officinalis), the Indian gooseberry, or aamla, is a deciduous tree of the Phyllanthaceae family and is known for its edible fruit.
Composition
Amla powder
Moisture 5.05-6.78%
Fat 0.23-0.59%
Minerals
Calcium 79.6mg
Phosphorous 12.38mg
Iron 88.03mg/100g.
Amla is one of the richest sources of Vit-C and contains 700mg. In addition to this several active tannoid principles (Emblicanin A, Emblicanin B, Punigluconin and pedunculagin) have been identified for their health benefits.
Uses
Medical studies suggest that Amla fruit has anti-viral properties and also functions as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. Animals fed on amla powder showed better ability for uptake and killing of bacteria, which might be due to the presence of tannins which stimulates phagocytic cells. Indian gooseberry has undergone preliminary research, demonstrating in vitro antiviral and antimicrobial properties. There is preliminary evidence in vitro that its extracts induce apoptosis and modify gene expression in osteoclasts involved in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis.
Amla fruit powder as feed additive has been reported to possess antistress, adaptogenic, immunogenic and growth-stimulating properties resulting in better performance of broiler. More benefits can get on feeding Amla fruit powder as feed supplement in broiler as Amla possesses antistress and antioxidant property. Amla promotes growth, stimulate the immune system and improves feed conversion efficiency.
Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
The botanical name of aloe vera is Aloe barbadensis miller. It belongs to Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family, and is shrubby, or absorescent, perennial, xerophytic, succulent, pea-green color plant. The sticky latex liquid is derived from the yellowish green pericyclic tubules lining the leaf (rind) that yields laxative anthraqui-nones.
Composition
Dried aloe vera
Carbohydrates 73.07%
Protein 4.73%
Fat 0.27%
Tannins 0.155g/100g
Oxalate 0.683g/100g
Phytate 0.54g/100g
Aloe vera contains phytochemicals like saponins (5.651g/100g), flavanoids (3.246g/100g), alkaloids (2.471g/100g) and phenols (0.232g/100g), which is an indicative of cosmetic and medicinal value of Aloe barbadensis. It is also rich in minerals like Na, K, P, and Mg.
Uses
Aloe vera may be effective in treatment of wounds and it also promotes the rate of wound healing. Topical application of aloe vera may also be effective for genital herpes and psoriasis. The extracts are useful in treatment of hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, but also with acute hepatitis. Preliminary studies have suggested that oral aloe vera gel may reduce symptoms and inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis. Aloe vera extracts have been used as immunostimulant that aids in fighting cancers in cats and dogs. Extracts of aloe vera might have anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities. Aloe vera includes antrokinone chemicals that are known for anti-virus, anti-bacterial and anti-cancer properties.
Natural de-worming plants for backyard flock:
1. Garlic (Allium sativa): This can be given fresh and finely chopped or you can give dried flakes or powders. Whatever form one chooses, it has to be an equivalent amount of one to two cloves per hen per day for 10 days. While feeding garlic as a preventative measure, one has to ensure that it is available and mixed with the feed from time to time.
2. Grated carrot (Daucus carota)
3. Finely chopped onion (Allium cepa)
4. Elder leaves (Sambuca canadensis)
5. Pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepita): The animals enjoy all parts of squash and the seeds are a natural worm repellant.
6. Cucumbers (Cucurbita longa): The seeds are the most valuable for de-worming, but tossing a few cucumbers to your chickens here and there throughout the summer can be a delicious snack with added benefit.
Inclusion of herbal plant such as Amla, Aloe vera, Turmeric, Tulsi in poultry diet may improve the growth performance, body weight gain, feed efficiency, carcass traits, livability, immune response and disease resistant power. Preventative measures can be taken to keep chickens worm-free by feeding them with natural de-worming plants. In the concept of the production of healthy farm animals without the use of antibiotics herbs can be relevant in many different ways. They can regulate feed intake and stimulate digestive secretions. An optimized digestion capacity and reduced risk of digestive disorders are the consequence. Several phytochemicals like essential oils or dietary fiber can contribute to a balanced microflora (eubiosis), an optimal precondition for an effective protection against pathogenic micro-organisms and an intact immune system. Herbs and botanicals contain many different antioxidants with a high potential for the protection of nutrients against oxidation in the digestive tract, in metabolism as well as in the products.
NAME OF SOME IMPORTANT HERBS BEING USED AS POULTRY & LIVESTOCK FEED ADDITIVES IN INDIA :
DR SK PATEL, LIVESTOCK CONSULTANT, ANAND, GUJARAT
REFERENCES: ON REQUEST
