ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE February 2026 71 ing beyond withdrawal periods. The study by Zhan et al. (2025) demonstrated that different antibiotics produce varying degrees of microbiota disruption, with florfenicol and gentamicin showing the strongest and most persistent effects. In contrast, phytomolecules generally do not generate resistance through the same mechanisms as antibiotics. Some phytochemicals may actually enhance antibiotic efficacy and resensitize resistant bacteria through structural modifications of bacterial membranes (Khameneh et al., 2021; Suganya et al., 2022). However, one study reported increased correlation between antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and mobile genetic elements in pig feces after mushroom powder supplementation, suggesting that certain phytogenic compounds may increase ARG mobility (Muurinen et al., 2021). This emphasizes the need for continued surveillance of phytomolecule effects on resistance gene dynamics. Capsaicinoids and capsinoids have well-established safety profiles. Capsiate, a non-pungent analogue of capsaicin, exhibits substantially lower toxicity while maintaining similar metabolic and growth-promoting effects (Gupta et al., 2022). No adverse effects on animal health or product quality have been reported at recommended dosages in reviewed studies. FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND RESEARCH NEEDS Despite substantial progress, several areas require further investigation: 1. Mechanistic refinement: Detailed characterization of signaling pathways, particularly the IL-6R/ gp130 cascade and mitochondrial stress responses 2. Precision formulation: Development of combinations optimized for specific production stages, environmental conditions, and disease pressures 3. Bioavailability optimization: Advanced delivery systems ensuring consistent active compound release and absorption 4. Microbiome-host interaction mapping: High-resolution characterization of microbial community shifts and their functional consequences 5. Economic validation: Large-scale production trials assessing cost-effectiveness compared to AGPs and disease management costs CONCLUSIONS The scientific evidence demonstrates that standardized phytomolecules operate through well-characterized biological mechanisms that substantially replicate those of AGPs: 1. Anti-inflammatory effects reducing energetic costs of immune activation 2. Mitochondrial hormesis enhancing energy metabolism and cellular resilience 3. Selective microbiota modulation supporting beneficial bacteria while controlling pathogens 4. Intestinal barrier enhancement improving nutrient absorption and reducing translocation 5. Antioxidant activity mitigating oxidative stress and supporting immune function When properly standardized and formulated for controlled release, phytomolecules deliver growth promotion, feed efficiency improvements, and disease resistance comparable to AGPs, while potentially offering advantages in AMR risk profile, stress resilience, and consumer acceptance. The mechanistic convergence between AGPs and phytomolecules, coupled with demonstrated efficacy in controlled trials, provides producers with confidence that science-based phytomolecular interventions represent legitimate alternatives to AGPs. Success depends on product standardization, appropriate dosing, and understanding that phytomolecules work through fundamental biological pathways rather than undefined or mystical mechanisms. As the livestock industry continues to navigate the post-AGP era, standardized phytomolecules offer a scientifically sound, mechanistically validated approach to maintaining animal performance, health, and welfare while addressing antimicrobial resistance concerns. References can be reached here.
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