An update on alternatives to antimicrobial growth promoters for broilers.
Livestock performance and feed efficiency are closely interrelated with the qualitative and quantitative microbial load of the animal gut, the morphological structure of the intestinal wall and the activity of the immune system. Antimicrobial growth promoters have made a tremendous contribution to profitability in intensive husbandry, but as a consequence of the increasing concern about the potential for antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria, the European Commission decided to ban all commonly used feed antibiotics. There are a number of non-therapeutic alternatives, including enzymes, (in)organic acids, probiotics, prebiotics, etheric oils and immunostimulants. Their efficacy and mode of action are briefly described in this review.
Huyghebaert
Gerard
G
Ministry of the Flemish Community, Institute Agriculture Fishery Research ILVO Animal Nutrition Sciences, Scheldeweg 68, B-9090 Melle, Belgium. gerard.huyghebaert@ilvo.vlaanderen.be
Ducatelle
Richard
R
Van Immerseel
Filip
F
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000821:Animal Feed / Q000592:standards; D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D002645:Chickens / Q000254:growth & development*; D004798:Enzymes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005062:European Union; D005503:Food Additives; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007287:Inorganic Chemicals / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D009821:Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009930:Organic Chemicals / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry; D056692:Prebiotics; D019936:Probiotics / Q000008:administration & dosage
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004798:Enzymes; D005503:Food Additives; D006133:Growth Substances; D007287:Inorganic Chemicals; D009821:Oils; D009930:Organic Chemicals; D056692:Prebiotics