Performance report reveals that the average daily weight gain of birds was Highest in T3 and T4, intermediate in T2, and lowest in T1 (p<0.05). This is a clear indication that the phytogenic feed additives feed at 20 g and 30 g/25 kg have beneficial effects on nutrient utilization possibly by stimulating digestive enzymes such as lipase, amylase, or protease, thus improving gastrointestinal morphology. The antimicrobial mode of action in the phytogenic feed additives can be attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds in the sample which can directly kill bacteria via hydrophobicity. Flavonoids also prevent dysbiosis, giving room for more beneficial bacteria in the gut of birds.
Phytochemicals are biologically active compounds, found in plants in small amounts, which are not established nutrients but, nevertheless, have therapeutic properties such as; anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal, antioxidants, anti-tumor, hypolipidemic and cytotoxic (Alagbe and Shittu, 2021). Examples of phytochemicals that perform multiple biological functions are;
Alkaloids are the most efficient therapeutically significant plant substances commonly found to have antimicrobial properties due to their ability to intercalate the DNA of microorganisms (Kasolo et al., 2010). Analgesic, bactericidal, and antispasmodic effects have all been attributed to alkaloidal composition in plants (Ganellin and Roberts, 1993; Babajide et al.,1999). The presence of alkaloids may be attributed to the acclaimed antibacterial property (Faizi et al., 2003a, b; Faizi et al., 2008) of this plant. Tannins have been suggested to be involved with antibacterial and anti-viral activity while tannins and flavonoids are thought to be responsible for antidiarrheal activity (Adisa et al., 2004; Enzo, 2007; Adisa et al., 2010). Saponins are known to possess both antimicrobial (Soetan et al., 2006) and anti-inflammatory activities (Hassan et al., 2012). Studies have also reported the beneficial effects of saponins on blood cholesterol levels and stimulation of the immune system (Cheeke, 2000). Flavonoids have been shown to have antifungal activity in vitro (Galeotti et al., 2008). The potent antioxidant activity of flavonoids reveals their ability to scavenge hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions, and lipid peroxy radicals; this may be the most important function of flavonoids (Alan and Miller, 1996). They also induce mechanisms that may kill cancer cells and inhibit tumor invasion (Williams et al., 2004). The flavonoids present may be responsible for the medicinal properties accorded to the plant (Chen et al., 2000; Faizi et al., 2003; Saleem et al., 2005; Chang et al., 2006). Phenols are strong antioxidants that prevent oxidative damage to biomolecules such as DNA, lipids, and proteins that play a role in chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Plant phenols may interfere with all stages of the cancer process, potentially resulting in a reduction of cancer risk (Hollman,2001). The cardiac glycosides therapeutically have the ability to increase the force and strength of the heartbeat without increasing the amount of oxygen needed by the heart muscle. They can thus increase the efficiency of the heart and at the same time stabilize excess heartbeats without strain on the organ (David, 1983).
Poultryherbs Mix Lipid peroxidation inhibition analysis
Lipid peroxidation inhibition analysis is always used to ascertain the antioxidant properties of a phytogenic feed additive. This will further add value to the organoleptic properties of meat.
The result indicated that the sample contained 64.17 % inhibition of lipid peroxidation.
Author: BY POULTRYHERBS ENTERPRISE