ISSUE FOCUS 36 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2023 As awareness about the adverse effects of antibiotics and chemicals on animal health and the environment grows, there is a need for natural and sustainable alternatives. Phytotherapy, or using plant-based medicines, has emerged as a promising solution, particularly in animal nutrition and health. With cutting-edge computer technology like Computer-Aided Phytotherapy (aCAP), researchers can more efficiently and effectively explore the diverse phytobiome of the Himalayas and beyond to develop safer and more natural alternatives for animal care. The excessive use of antibiotics and chemicals in livestock, which humans eventually consume, has given rise to superbugs, posing a severe threat to public health. In a report called "Brace for Superbugs," which was put out by the United Nations Environment Programme, it was repeated that by 2050, antibiotic resistance could kill as many people each year as cancer. Addressing this looming crisis by ending antibiotic and chemical abuse and promoting sustainable alternatives to keep animals healthy and productive is imperative. In this context, phytotherapy has emerged as a promising alternative to antimicrobial use in the livestock industry in recent years. There has been a resurgence of interest in combining traditional phytotherapies with cutting-edge, evidence-based solutions to complement conventional therapy better. The worldwide output of research on plant-based medicines is a clear indicator of this trend. More than 30,000 research publications in phytomedicine were published in 2021 alone. Scientists have made significant strides towards merging phytotherapy and conventional medicine in studying human health. The animal industry, however, needs to make parallel efforts. Natural alternatives to antibiotics and chemicals used on food-producing animals are being sought. Phytotherapy is a substantial step towards addressing worries about using antibiotics/chemicals and fostering more sustainable animal agricultural practices. Research into the medicinal benefits of plants is a vital part of this process. Investigating the possible gains from incorporating phytotherapy into animal health management and bolstering research in this area is crucial. The Himalayan region is home to various medicinal herbs and plants. This rich source of phytotherapy could prove to be a goldmine for animal nutraceuticals. By tapping into the natural properties of Himalayan herbs, researchers can find alternative solutions to using antibiotics and chemicals REVOLUTIONIZING ANIMAL HEALTH WITH COMPUTER-AIDED PHYTOTHERAPY Naveed A. Chikan Founder/CSO Daskdan Innovations
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