Applications of Oregano essential Oil in Poultry

The emergence of bacterial resistance to antibiotics has made it necessary to replace antibiotics with alternatives such as probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, and herbal essential oils. As a result, in recent years, interest in plant-based extracts and essential oils (EOs) as a natural alternative to Antimicrobial Growth Promoters (AGPs) has grown significantly. EOs are aromatic, oily extracts obtained from different parts of a plant, for example, flowers, buds, seeds, leaves, twigs, bark, herbs, wood, fruits, or roots. The composition of EOs is variable and may include several mixtures of compounds that have been extracted from different parts of plants. EOs have several properties to support their use in poultry feed:

1. Simulate digestive enzymes
2. Improve gut health
3. Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral
4. Anti-inflammatory
5. Antioxidant
6. Coccidiostat
7. Boost immunity

Essential oils can be classified into two main categories: (1) Natural and (2) Synthetic.

Natural essential oils are extracted directly from plants through processes such as steam distillation, cold pressing and solvent extraction. These oils are pure and contain the natural chemical compounds found in the plant, giving them their characteristic aroma and therapeutic properties.

Synthetic essential oils are made in a laboratory using artificial ingredients to mimic the aroma and properties of natural essential oils. While synthetic essential oils may be cheaper and more consistent in their chemical composition, they do not contain the same natural chemical compounds found in plant-derived oils and may not have the same therapeutic benefits.