As the global demand for sustainable and natural agricultural practices intensifies, the use of plants in animal nutrition is emerging as a promising solution to reduce reliance on synthetic additives. Plants serve numerous purposes in animal nutrition. The polyphenols and their role as antioxidants is already well know. Grape seed extract and trans-anethole reduce oxidative stress and enhance antioxidant capacity, supporting overall health. To modulate the immune system, Astragalus roots stimulates immune function and resilience, while Echinacea boosts the immune response against pathogens. Gut health can also be significantly improved through garlic, which balances gut microbiota, and oregano, which provides antimicrobial properties to enhance gut integrity. In aquaculture, plants provide specific benefits, such as spirulina, which enhances pigmentation and immune function, and kelp, which supplies essential minerals and polysaccharides for stress resilience and growth. But in this month Nutricle, I would like to have a specific approach on the plants recommended for promoting feed intake and growth performance. For Piglets, Broilers, and Fish Fenugreek stimulates appetite through bioactive compounds like saponins and alkaloids, enhancing feed palatability and promoting digestive enzyme secretion. Curcuma acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, promoting better feed utilization and growth. Ginger improves gut health and enhances enzymatic activity, boosting growth rates. For Sows and Layers Fenugreek stimulates appetite and supports lactation by promoting milk yield and improving nutrient availability, making it particularly valuable for enhancing sow productivity. Maca enhances reproductive performance and hormonal balance, improving recovery post-farrowing and supporting egg production in layers. Ginseng strengthens metabolic energy and immunity, contributing to productivity and resilience. For Shrimps Curcuma acts as an antimicrobial and antioxidant, reducing disease incidence and improving feed efficiency. Fenugreek, due to its high saponin content, helps reduce toxic ammonia levels while enhancing appetite and digestive efficiency. Similarly, Yucca, also rich in saponins, improves water

In piglet nutrition, zinc oxide has long been a trusted ally. For decades, nutritionists have relied on it to fight post-weaning diarrhea, boost gut health, and help young pigs thrive through their most fragile weeks. Yet behind this familiar white, black or yellow powder lies a deeper truth: not all zinc oxide is created equal. While many feed formulators focus on the dosage, how many kilograms per ton, how many weeks in the program, the real story, and often the real problem, comes down to something less obvious: the physical and chemical nature of the zinc oxide itself. The analysis of multiple zinc oxide sources used across Asia and beyond has enabled to identify three distinct families of products, illustrated by different color and each behaving differently in the piglet’s digestive tract and each with its own consequences for antibacterial efficacy. Family One: White, Fast, and Short-Lived The first family of zinc oxide products is typically white in color and comes mostly from Asian sources. These products have small particle size, low density, but relatively high surface area. At first, they look like strong performers. The high surface area suggests plenty of material ready to interact with bacteria, giving a sharp antibacterial punch, on paper at least. But once these small, light particles hit the piglet’s stomach acid, they dissolve rapidly, sometimes too rapidly. The zinc ions release so quickly that by the time they meet bacteria, the antibacterial effect has already faded away. To compensate, nutritionists often increase the dosage, usually pushing up to 3 kilograms per ton of feed. But this raises serious concerns: Toxicity risks, especially if used for more than two weeks Reduction of feed intake as zinc taste is rejected by piglets Blocking actions of phytases Environmental burdens due to zinc excretion Regulatory red flags