Phytogenic Feed Additives and Strategic Supplementation in Poultry: A Review

Abstract

The use of antibiotics in poultry feed has been prohibited under European Union legislation since 2006 due to concerns related to antibiotic resistance, drug residues in poultry meat and eggs, and increasing consumer awareness regarding food safety. Earlier, antibiotics were widely used as growth promoters; however, their continuous application raised serious issues regarding tissue residues and the development of resistant bacterial strains. As a result, considerable research attention has been directed toward identifying natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. Aromatic and medicinal plants have shown potential to enhance feed intake and stimulate the secretion of endogenous digestive enzymes. Dietary supplementation of herbs such as coriander seed powder and turmeric powder has been reported to exert positive effects on poultry performance and health, largely due to their antimicrobial phytochemical constituents. In recent years, phytobiotic feed additives, including coriander and turmeric in both powdered and oil forms, have gained significant attention as natural growth promoters in broiler production. Supplementation levels of approximately 1–2% in poultry diets are generally considered safe and effective without causing adverse effects.