The growing world population, along with the rise of the middle class, is fueling the demand for meat, particularly beef. Natural resources are limited, yet we must “produce more from less.” Geopolitical events such as inflation, raw material volatility, high energy prices and labor constraints necessitate all livestock producers to improve production efficiency.
In past decades, animals’ genetic potential has been pushed, contributing to improved performance, average daily gain and feed conversion. Additional factors that come into play include nutrition, climate, disease challenges, facility management and more. Unfortunately, most livestock still perform at about 40% below their genetic potential, indicating that the environment generally is suboptimal.
The gut: So much more than a digestive and absorptive organ
One of the focus areas in all livestock production is the intestinal tract because it’s one of the most prominent sites of interaction between the animal and its environment. Moreover, it is the site where dietary energy and nutrients need to be optimally digested, absorbed and converted into molecules needed for maintenance and growth.
To improve production efficiency, animal nutritionists have traditionally focused on formulating diets by using antibiotics, prebiotics, probiotics and other compounds. It’s only in recent decades that researchers have realized that the gut is much more than a digestive organ.
A 2013 study describes the gut as a sensory organ that detects and processes “messages” from its environment through a myriad of receptors located on intestinal cells facing the gut lumen. Targeting these receptors through molecules supplied in an animal’s diet can trigger systemic physiological responses that in turn affect nutrient absorption, immunity, hormonal secretion, inflammation and, ultimately, animal performance.
Reconsidering the role of phytogenics
A fascinating category of molecules is that of phytogenics. Phytogenic means “derived from plants.” As feed additives, phytogenic compounds have the potential to act on the aforementioned receptors lining the gastrointestinal tract and, when used at the right dosage, can support the animal in coming closer to its genetic potential.
Inflammation comes at a cost
There are numerous examples demonstrating that phytogenics have the ability to trigger systemic physiological responses. The anti-inflammatory properties in a variety of plants showcase the connection to livestock performance because low-level, chronic inflammation of the gut is a well-known condition in modern livestock production.
Inflammatory processes have a negative impact on productivity by impairing nutrient absorption and diverting nutrients away from growth toward support of the immune system.
Harnessing the full potential of phytogenics
Scientific evidence on individual phytogenic compounds supports the notion that many classical challenges in livestock can be addressed with phytogenics. However, phytogenics are not therapeutics. Recognizing their contribution to the host’s natural defense mechanisms, along with robust physiological functions in all kinds of environmental conditions, will help harness the true potential of phytogenics in supporting efficient and profitable livestock production.
