Review Article PHYTOGENIC COMPOUNDS USED AS A FEED ADDITIVES IN POULTRY PRODUCTION

Abstract: Antibiotic growth promoters enhance growth performance and stabilize an animal’s health status (Gustafsonand Bowen, 1997). Since the ban in 2006 of antibiotic growth promoters in the European Union, the search for suitable natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters with similar beneficial effects has been intensified. Among possible alternatives are phytogenic feed additives (PFA) which may positively affect poultry health and productivity. Many non-therapeutic substitutes (prebiotics, probiotics and symbiotics), especially plants extracts from a wide variety of herbs, spices and derivatives, have already been used as a feed additive in poultry. Recent studies on these compounds have shown some positive effects (antimicrobial, antioxidant and regulator of the gut flora) in poultry production. This indicates that plant extracts can be considered as feed additives in poultry production