Potential role of important nutraceuticals in poultry performance and health-A comprehensive review

Antibiotics use in poultry as a growth promoter leads to the propagation of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms and incorporation of drug residues in foods; therefore, it has been restricted in different countries. There is a global trend to limit the use of antibiotics in the animal products. Prevention of the antibiotics use in the poultry diets led to the reduction in the growth performance. Consequently, there is a high demand for natural substances that lead to the same growth enhancement and beneficially affect poultry health. These constituents play essential roles in regulating the normal physiological functions of animals including the protection from infectious ailments. Nutraceuticals administration resulted beneficial in both infectious and noninfectious diseases. Being the natural components of diet, they are compatible with it and do not pose risks associated with antibiotics or other drugs. Nutraceuticals are categorized as commercial additives obtained from natural products as an alternative feed supplement for the improvement of animal welfare. This group includes enzymes, synbiotics, phytobiotics, organic acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids. In the present review, the summary of various bioactive ingredients that act as nutraceuticals and their mode of action in growth promotion and elevation of the immune system has been presented.

Automated summary

The use of antibiotics in poultry as growth promoters is restricted in many countries due to concerns about antibiotic resistance and drug residues in food. There is a global trend towards limiting antibiotic use in animal products, leading to a demand for natural alternatives that can promote growth without the negative effects associated with antibiotics. Nutraceuticals have been identified as a viable option, as they can enhance growth and benefit poultry health without the risks associated with antibiotics.