SPECIAL STORY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE April 2023 73 Science), which is beneficial in various species, as well as their ability to modulate the immune system. According to a review published in Biomolecules by Sandner et al. 2020, the current literature, including in vitro and in vivo studies, indicates the potential of various plant EOs as suitable immunomodulators for the alternative treatment of infectious or immune-related diseases. EOs have also gained attention as non-antibiotic growth promoters for use as dietary supplements for livestock and fish. For example, EO supplementation has been shown to improve the immune status of weaned pigs, e.g. increased lymphocyte proliferation rate, phagocytosis rate and higher serum levels of IgG, IgA, IgM, complement (C)3 and C4. Various studies have shown that EOs such as eucalyptus, tea tree, clove and lavender contain various chemical compounds that have the potential to regulate cytokine production. These small proteins play a crucial role in the pathways of the immune response. By modulating cytokine production and stimulating the production of immune cells, essential oils have an immunomodulatory effect that can help animals resist infection and disease, thereby improving their overall health and well-being. Especially eucalyptus, peppermint and thyme EOs have been studied for their effects on animal health and performance. These oils contain active compounds such as terpenoids, phenolic acids and flavonoids that can modulate the immune system, reduce oxidative stress [1] and improve gut health. 4. Synergy of the combination of essential oils and vaccination – an example in broilers and the respiratory system An interesting approach has been to observe the effect of EOs on the body's immune response to vaccines. Vaccines are an important tool, not only for individual health, but also for herd immunity. The studies conducted at the University of Baghdad by Thajel and Ulaiwi et al. [2,3] showed that a combination of natural EOs containing eucalyptus oil, mint oil and thyme oil plus L-menthol can have beneficial effects in broilers after vaccination against Infectious Bronchitis (IB) and Newcastle Disease (ND). According to the researchers, the administration of Aromax® from XVET Germany led to an improvement in the local and humoral immune response in broilers. A higher concentration of immunoglobulin A (IgA) was shown in a study
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