Volume: 3, 2024
3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: A021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.A021
Published online: 24 April 2024
ICDSUPL, 3, A021 (2024)
Garlic and thyme in broiler chicken nutrition
Szymon Milewski1*, Julia Fabjanowska1, Bożena Kiczorowska1, Wioletta Samolińska1, Renata Klebaniuk1
1 Institute of Animal Nutrition and Bromatology, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: szymon.milewski@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
The goal of the modern breeding sector is to eliminate or significantly reduce the use of chemical agents in animal nutrition. In response to growing consumer expectations, the use of synthetic feed additives is being abandoned, and practices related to intensive farming are being modified, in order to protect the natural environment. Consequently, breeders are searching for natural feed materials that would effectively support growth, productivity, and the health status of animals. Promising scientific reports concern the supplementation with herbs serving as natural feed additives. These plants, due to the content of bioactive compounds such as alkaloids, tannins, saponins, essential oils, or flavonoids, have the potential to exhibit health-promoting effects on the body, through a series of specific metabolic mechanisms. Garlic (Allium sativum), containing at least 33 sulfur compounds such as allicin (C6 H10S2O), diallyl sulfide (C6H10S), diallyl trisulfide (C6H10S2O), or allyl mercaptan (C6H10S) and enzymes, is known primarily for its broad spectrum of antibacterial and antiviral actions. This may manifest in reducing the spread of pathogenic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in efficient digestion and increased immunity and healthiness. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), due to the presence of the main active component – thymol, exhibits anti-inflammatory and pharmacokinetic properties. By activating neutrophil mechanisms, it contributes to the reduction of the synthesis of inflammation markers, such as elastase, and inflammatory proteins, including cyclooxygenases COX-1 and COX-2. Additionally, phytochemicals present in thyme, such as alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, and tannins, show antifungal, hepatoprotective, and even anticancer properties. The aim of this work is to review the latest publication reports on the impact of these plant raw material additives in the nutrition of broiler chickens on production parameters and bird health.
Keywords: poultry, nutrition, herbs, productivity, health
How to cite
S. Milewski, J. Fabjanowska, B. Kiczorowska, W. Samolińska, R. Klebaniuk, 2024. Garlic and thyme in broiler chicken nutrition. In: 3rd International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL3.A021