Source: MEATINGPLACE, 1/29/16

Essential oils can be a viable alternative to antibiotics to promote gut health in a poultry feeding program, Cargill said its researchers have found.

Cargill researchers found that certain essential oil compounds, particularly those derived from thyme, cinnamon and oregano, had the most comprehensive effect on overall gut health.

Benefits included antimicrobial activity, modulation of immune response, antioxidant activity, Improvement of nutrient digestibility, and stimulation of mucus production, the company said.

Essential oils were particularly efficient in conditions where intestinal infections such as Salmonellosis and Coccidiosis were present, and were most effective when combined with organic acids, the company said.

In addition, combined results from 12 trials showed that birds given Cargill's Promote Biacid Nucleus additive, which contains a mixture of seven essential oil compounds, in combination with an antibiotic-free diet, improved body weight gain by 2 percent and feed conversion by 1.5 percent, the company said.

Cargill said it has been researching the use of non-medicated feed additives for several years as an alternative to antibiotic growth promoters. Since 2009, it has conducted a total of 77 trials on additives including essential oils, probiotics, yeast derivatives and medium chain fatty acids.

"Only essential oils have both a broad spectrum of activity against pathogens and a direct impact on digestive function," said Stephanie Ladirat, global technology lead for gut health additives in Cargill's animal nutrition business. 

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