SPECIAL STORY 72 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2023 The support of immune development in animals is significant for the maintenance of animal health and production, which is of vital importance to the food industry. A balanced diet, a hygienic environment, health management strategies such as biosecurity and vaccination, and natural feed additives such as essential oils (EOs) can all contribute to the development and maintenance of a robust immune system in animals. Some EOs have antimicrobial activity, support respiratory and mucosal health and have an immunomodulatory effect that can help animals resist infection and disease and improve their overall health and well-being. 1. What are the benefits of supporting immune development in animals? Animal husbandry and production are critical components of the food industry, providing a reliable supply of meat, milk and eggs for human consumption. In order to maintain animal health and performance, including the farm to fork concept, it is essential to support the development of their immune systems. Proper nutrition, a hygienic environment and health management strategies such as biosecurity and vaccination are all critical factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of a robust immune system in animals. In addition, natural feed additives such as essential oils (EOs), pro-, pre- and post-biotic products with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties have shown promise in improving immunity, gut health and overall well-being. 2. Immune system and general nutrition As mentioned above, a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids is necessary to provide the building blocks for immune cell production and function. With concerns over the use of antibiotics and synthetic additives in animal feed, many farmers and researchers are turning to natural alternatives to improve animal health, welfare and performance. EOs in feed additives are one such alternative that appears to be a promising approach. 3. Effects of essential oils on immunity EOs are volatile, aromatic compounds extracted from a variety of plant species. They have been used in human medicine and traditional animal husbandry for centuries. One of the main benefits of EOs is their antimicrobial activity (e.g. Witkowska et al.,2013, Poultry ESSENTIAL OILS: A MULTIFUNCTIONAL SUPPORT IN ANIMAL'S IMMUNE DEVELOPMENT AND MAINTENANCE Dr. Christiane Axmann, Ph.D. Technical Sales Executive XVET GmbH Germany
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