The document discusses the nutritional impact of herbs as feed additives in livestock, highlighting their role in improving digestibility, nutrient absorption, and overall health. It reviews various herbs, their active compounds, and specific benefits for different types of animals, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. The conclusion emphasizes the need for further research on the effectiveness of herbs in animal nutrition as alternatives to conventional growth promoters.

1. NUTRITIONAL IMPACT OF HERBS
ON ANIMALS
NILAKSHI PATIL

2. INTRODUCTION
• The use of cereals in animal feeds competes with human nutrition,
therefore the introduction of alternative feedstuffs in the livestock industry
has become necessary.
(I.C Nwafor et al.,2017)
• IFPRI(1999) predicts a 2.0% growth in pig and chicken production over
the next 20 years, primarily in developing countries, requiring efficient
use of resources and responsible feed additives.
(Casper Wenk ,2003)
• This goal can be attained by the best possible combination of the so
called pronutrients available including pro- or prebiotics, organic acids,
dietary fibers, highly available nutrients and herbs.
(Rosen,1996)

3. HERBS
• 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.
• Herbs and plant extracts, called phytogenics feed additives (PFA)
are plant-based compounds used in animal feed to improve
digestibility, nutrient absorption, and eliminate gut pathogens,
enhancing livestock productivity.
(Kamel, 2001; Balunas and Kinghorn, 2005; Athanasiadou et al.,
2007).
• Herbal plants and their essential oils have been used throughout the
centuries for animal management and ethnoveterinary practices.
(Franz et al., 2010)

4. • Pronutrients contribute to nutrient requirements, regulating feed
intake, digestion, and intermediate metabolism.
• Effective in low-performance animals, low-nutritive diets, poor health
conditions, stressful environments, and poor animal management.
• Therefore, today the feed industry is increasingly exploring
pronutrients as valuable alternatives particularly “HERBS” due to
their diverse activities.
(Casper Wenk ,2003)

5. • Secondary metabolites from herbal plants, such as tannins, saponin,
flavonoids, and essential oils, are utilized in rumen manipulation and
poultry and pig nutrition.
(Jones ME et al., 1953)
• Plants, herbs, and their extracts are utilized for sensory
enhancement, growth, feed conversion, meat quality improvement,
prophylactic purposes, and as a replacement for antibiotic growth
promoters.
(Pena et al., 2005)

6. Herbal Plants In Animal Production
( Prajakta Kuralkar et al., 2021 )

7. Different herbal feed additives, its active
components and functions
PLANTS USED PARTS ACTIVE
COMPONENT
FUNCTIONS
Nutmeg
(Myristica fragrans)
Seed Sabinene Digestion stimulant,
antidiarrhoeic
Cinnamon
(Cinnamomumzeylan
icum)
Bark Cimetaldehyde Appetite and
digestion
stimulant,antiseptic
Cloves
(Syzygium
aromaticum)
Cloves Eugenol Appetite and
digestion
stimulant,antiseptic
Cardmom
(Amomum
subulatum)
Seed Cineol Appetite
anddigestion
stimulant

8. Coriander
(Coriandrum
sativum)
Leaves and seed Linalol Digestion stimulant
Cumin
(Cuminum cyminum)
Seed Cuminaldehyde
Digestive,
carminative,
galactogogue
Anise
(Pimpinella anisum)
Fruit Anethol
Digestion stimulant,
galactogogue
Celery
(Apium graveolens)
Fruit, leaves Phtalides
Appetite and
digestion stimulant
Parsley (Petroselinum
crispum)
Leaves Apiol
Appetite and
digestion stimulant,
antiseptic
Fenugreek
(Trigonella
foenumgraecum)
Seed Trigonelline Appetite stimulant

9. Capscicum
(Capsicum annuum)
Fruit Capsaicin Digestion stimulant
Pepper
(Piper nigrum)
Fruit Piperine Digestion stimulant
Horsradish
(Armoracia rusticana)
Root Allyl izotiocianat Appetite stimulant
Mustard
(Brassica Nigra)
Seed Allyl izotiocianat Digestion stimulant
Ginger
(Zingiber officinale)
Rizom Zingerone Gastric stimulant
Garlic
(Allium sativum)
Bulb Alkin
Digestion
stimulant,antiseptic

10. Rosemary
(Rosmarinus
officinalis)
Leaves Cineol
Digestion stimulant,
antiseptic
Thyme
(Thymus vulgaris)
Whole plant Thymol
Digestion, stimulant,
antiseptic,
antioxidant
Mint
(Mentha piperita)
leaves Menthol
Appetite and
digestion stimulant,
antiseptic
Shatavari (Asparagus
racemosus) Root
Sapogenins,
flavonoids and
saponin
Prevention and
treatment of gastric
ulcers,dyspepsia and
as a galactogogue.
Jivanti
(Leptadenia
reticulata)
Leaves and twigs
Stigmasterol, ß –
itosterol,flavonoids,
pregnane glycosides
Galactogogue,
antimicrobial and
antiinflammatory
Shatavari
(Asparagusracemosu
s)
Root
Shatavarin-I-IV,
qucertin,rutin,
hyperoside
Galactogogue
(Mirzaei - Aghsaghali, 2012)

11. Plant Secondary Metabolites
o Plants produce a variety of secondary metabolites (SM), which
serve as defense compounds and signal compounds.
o These SMs have diverse biological and pharmacological properties,
making them useful in treating infections, health disorders, and
diseases.
o Some SMs target specific molecular targets, while others attack
multiple proteins through hydrogen, hydrophobic, and ionic bonds.
o Herbal medicine, a rational medicine, has shown efficacy in clinical
trials, demonstrating its potential in treating various health
disorders.
Twaij B.M et al., 2022

12. Based on the structure of the compounds, the secondary
metabolites are classified into five major classes:
Secondary
Metabolites
S-Containing
Compounds
Phenolics
N-Containing
Compounds
Terpenoids
Hemiterpene
Monoterpene
Sesquiterpene
Diterpene
Sesterterpene
Tetraterpene
Polyterpene

13. Phenolics
Simple
Phenolics
Tannin
Coumarins
Flavonoids
Lignans
Stilbenes
Chromones
and
Xanthones

14. Alkaloids
Cyanogenic
glucosides
Nitrogen
Containing
Compound
Non-
Protein
amino
acids

15. Sulphur
Containing
Compounds
Glutathione
Glucosinolates
Phytoalexins Thionins
Defensins
Allinins
Twaij B.M et al., 2022

16. MODES OF ACTION OF HERBS
 Herbs can have beneficial effects on farm animals,
including activating feed intake, promoting immune
stimulation, and having anti-bacterial, coccidiostatic,
anthelmintic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory
properties.
 The secondary plant metabolites, including isoprene
derivatives, flavonoides, and glucosinolates, can act
as antibiotics or antioxidants in vivo and in food.
 They primarily affect the digestive tract, influencing
microbes through anti-microbial activity and
stimulating eubiosis of microflora.
 Regular feed and water intake are crucial for
(Kumar M. et al., 2014)

17. Herbal Feed Additive: Role in
Livestock Production
(Pashudhan Praharee,2022)

18. Role in feed intake, digestibility of
nutrients and animal performance
Herbs like curcuma, ginger, anise,
mint, fenugreek, and cumin stimulate
saliva secretion, enhance liver bile acid
synthesis and excretion, and improve
digestion and lipid absorption. They
also stimulate pancreatic enzymes and
digestive mucosa enzyme activity
(Frankic et al., 2009).
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 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).

19. Role as antimicrobial supplements
Herbs and spices have antibacterial effects
against Salmonella, E. coli, Staphylococcus,
and Streptococcus.
They alter fatty acid composition, increasing
hydrophobicity and making microbes less virulent.
Plant extracts, known as phytobiotics, have various antimicrobial,
antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-parasitic
parasitic properties. Their composition varies due to biological
factors, manufacturing & storage conditions.
(Huyghebaert et al., 2011)

20. Role as anti-inflammatory
Herb extracts show anti-
inflammatory effects,
with phenols and
terpenoids suppressing
inflammatory
prostaglandin
metabolism.
Aloe vera's antibacterial, viral,
antifungal properties have
been reviewed for poultry,
showing potential in wound
healing, antioxidant
protection, and diabetes
prevention.
(Babak and Nahashon, 2014).
Plants rich with flavonoids
as green tea and other
herbs have been described as
natural antioxidant
(Wei and Shibamoto, 2007).
Thyme and oregano
contain large amounts of
monoterpenes, thymol
and carvacrol
(Rahim et al., 2011).
Flavenoids have
antiinflammatory, anti-
allergic, antiviral and
antiproliferative activities
(Muanda et al., 2011)

21. Role
as
antioxidants
Plants rich in antioxidants have health-
promoting effects by counteracting
reactive oxygen species, lowering the
risk of diseases like cancer, heart
disease, hypertension, and stroke.
Garlic and onion have
sulfur-containing active
principles, lipid lowering
effects, and inhibit
oxidation of low-density
lipoproteins.
Herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano,
sage, green tea, chamomile, ginko,
dandelion and marigold are rich in
phenolics: protect feed against oxidative
deterioration during storage.
Their antioxidant potential is
related to phenolic substances
(flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins,
proanthocianidins, phenolic acids,
phenolic terpenes) and vitamins
(E, C and A).
(Ahmed and Bassuony, 2009)

22. Anti- and pro-oxidative properties of
essential oils from Herbs
Anti-oxidative Pro-oxidative No activity
Almond bitter Cardamom Almond sweet
Clove Coriander Anise
Cinnamon Estragon Fennel
Laurel Eucalyptus Ginger
Mint Lime Lemon
Mutmeg Sage Marjoram
Pepper Verbena Melissa
Peppermint – –
Rosemary Thyme – –
(Deans et al., 1993)

23. Role as immunostimulant
Plants like echinacea,
liquorice, garlic, and
cat's claw have
immunostimulatory
properties, enhancing
lymphocyte activity,
macrophages, and NK
cells.
Essential oils from these
plants also improve
immune response and
duodenal mucosa
changes.
Recently effect of ß-
glucan and cow urine
distillate have been
highlighted as
immunomodulator in
broiler chicken.
(Frankic et al., 2009)
(Lavinia et al., 2009) (Ganguly, 2013)

24. Role as coccidiostat
Betaine, a sugar beet byproduct, has been found to have
positive effects on fighting osmotic stress and promoting
normal cell metabolism.
Curcumin, a phenolic compound from 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.
(Naidoo et al., 2008)

25. Herbal Waste Processing For
Animal Feed
COLLECTION PRE-PROCESSING
PROCESSING&
CONVERSION
QUALITY
CONTROL
PACKAGING&
DISTRIBUTION
(S. Kaur et al.,2020) ; (M.A.M. Alam et al.,2020)

26. Pathways: Animal Feed Production
(M.Rahmani et al.,2022)

27. Herbs: A Feed Additive For Ruminants
Certain demonstrations were being done on inclusion of Herbal
Waste as a Feed Additive.
 The administration of a 2% herbal mixture containing common
yarrow, Chamomile, nettle, Agrimonia, Alchemilla, and English
plantain improves milk quality. Cows fed the mixture had lower
somatic cell counts, lower bacteria counts, and reduced mold and
yeast contamination. The mixture also reduced the frequency of
pathogenic bacteria, improving udder health and milk nutritional
value.
(Kraszewski
et al., 2008)
 Herbs increase cattle appetite, leading to better feed conversion.
Tests showed that adding 2.0% and 1.0% herbs to feed increased
intake, body weight, daily gains, and conversion. 2% herb addition
resulted in best results in bull-calves and heifers, with no diseases

28.  The extract from Tinospora cardifolia stems and Ocium sanctum
leaves positively impacted the immune system, reducing
granulocyte count and increasing lymphocytes or phagocytic
activity.
(Mukherjie 2005, after Maksymiec
2012)
 A study found that adding lingonberry and purple coneflower
extract to Black-and-White calves improved their immunity, total
protein, and overall health. The animals were divided into three
groups: those not given herbs, those taking the extract, and those
receiving the extract. The results showed increased daily body
weight gains, higher total protein concentrations, and increased
calving feed intake in the herb-administered group.
(Nowak et al., 2005)
 The study found that adding herbs like elderberry, Calendula, and
lemonbalm to 3-month-old calves' feed significantly improved their
weight gains, with the treatment group showing significantly better

29. Herbs: A Feed Additive For Poultry
Laying hens :
The results of studies on the applicability and efficiency of herbal additives for
laying hens are presented below.
 Meadow herbs like dandelion, nettle, and parsnip enhance growth,
laying performance, egg yolk quality, color, and flavor of eggs.
(Grela et al., 2013)
 Garlic's antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties suggest its
addition to drinking water can improve animal health, immune
system function, lower mortality, higher body weight, and better
feed conversion.
(Grela et al., 2013)
 It has also been found that the addition of 1 to 1% of black caraway
(Nigella sativa, L.) to feed has a significant effect on weight gain or
improves laying performance.
(El-Bagir et al., 2006)
 The addition of thymol oil and the oil of sage, thyme and rosemary to

30. Broiler chickens
 Research shows broiler broilers achieve highest finishing body
weights with nettle addition, while hops and other plants like pansy,
mint, or lemon balm have less effectiveness.
(Kapica et al., 2006)
 Certain herbs such as sage, lemon balm, and nettle, have been
found to provide a soothing effect on chickens during pre-slaughter
handling.
(Mirowski 2015)
 Garlic fed to broiler chickens may improve the color of meat and
reduce the changes in lipids.
(Mirowski 2015)
 Feeding chickens with the addition of alfalfa showed an increase in
lymphocytes and a higher mass of lymphatic organs.
(Skomorucha and Sosnówka-Czajka 2012)
 Some herbs have the ability to inhibit lipid oxidation. They
influence chemical composition and organoleptic characteristics of
poultry meat.

31. Herbs: A Feed Additive For Swine
 Herbs like fennel, cumin, juniper, and nettle enhance swine
reproduction by improving milk yields, promoting better appetite
and increased metabolism during the periparturient period.
(Rekiel et al., 2011)
 Coach grass, nettle, and garlic enhance feed intake during piglet
weaning, improving digestibility. Improved metabolic processes
was seen leading to increased protein deposition in carcass.
(Turyk and Osek 2010)
 Lemon balm, sage, and coneflower extracts improved daily gains
in porkers. Lemon balm as a feed additive carcass lean
percentage, and loin eye area by over 2% and 3%, respectively.
(Hanczakowska 2007)

32.  The study analyzed the impact of herbal supplements on piglets'
blood profile and growth. The study using a control (Group I) and
herbal mixes: (Group II) nettle, English plantain, rosemary, thyme,
lemon thyme; (Group III) nettle, garlic, anise, and coneflower. and
knotgrass. The group II and III animals showed better gains, viability,
and improved erythrocyte, hemoglobin, and hematocrit profiles.
(Kasprowicz-Potocka 2011)
 Studies proved that the use of essential oils extracted from herbs, in
combination with propionic, formic and lactic acids, increases feed
conversion rate by 8% and improves animal growth by 10%.
(Peris and Asensio 2002)
 Essential oils, like oregano oil, can improve pig health,
reproduction, litter performance, and growth, with a 1 gram per kg
feed addition enhancing sow reproduction and litter performance
whereas an addition of halfa gram of this oil per one kilogram of
feed positively influencedthe growth of porkers and piglets.
(Kasprowicz-Potocka
2011)

33. Advantages of herbal feed
additives
(A.K Pandey et al.,2019)

34. Limitations of Herbal Feed
Additives
• Not easily quantifiable and standardized due to their
complex.
• The location, soil type, weather conditions, altitude,
season during which the plant is grown, harvesting
procedure and storage conditions may affect the
composition
• Although majority of herbals are stable, there are
various constituents which are photo labile thermo
labile thus less stable.
• Factors such as variety, environmental conditions,
harvesting time, storage methods, plant extraction
(Kumar M. et al., 2014)

35. CONCLUSIONS
 Farm animals require healthy products, and natural additives like
probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, and plant extracts have been used in
animal and human nutrition.
 To gain advantageous effects of herbs and spices, they can be added to feed
as dried plants or parts of plants and as extracts.
 However, research is needed on specific herb properties for improved
digestibility, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and
immunostimulant effects.

36.  After antibiotic withdrawal, breeders sought alternative growth promoters,
finding herbal plants as a significant substitute due to their higher
biologically active content and exert very positive effects on the functioning
of the body.
 Based on the mentioned documented studies, it should be stated that
adding herbs to feed positively impacts the health, growth, and production
performance of livestock animals.
 It is worth mentioning that applying herbs as feed additives alone don't
improve animal performance; farmers must also ensure proper
management, a healthy environment, and high animal welfare.
 Herbal supplementation of animal nutrition aimed to improverearing
performance should be treated comprehensively.

37. THANK
YOU