Phytobiotics have gained increasing interest as natural growth promoting
feed additives in broiler production in recent years. Nevertheless, knowledge on
modes of action as well as aspects of application are still rather limited (Windisch
et al., 2009). Furthermore, original plants included in phytobiotic products vary
widely in their composition and content of active ingredients making it difficult to
estimate the mode of action. Some actions may only be possible when a defined
combination of ingredients is available.
Phytogenic effects have been proven in poultry for feed palatability and quality
(sensory aspects), growth promotion (improved weight gain and feed conversion
ratio, reduced mortality), gut function and nutrient digestibility (improved growth),
gut microflora (less diseases of the GIT, improved growth, reduced mortality),
immune function (improved health), and carcass meat safety and quality (reduced
microbial load, improved sensory)(after Mountzouris et al., 2009).