Exploring the role of nutraceuticals in enhancing animal nutrition

The selection of feed additives aimed at enhancing both animal health and performance represents a critical objective within the realm of animal husbandry. A significant concentration is often directed towards those additives that boast a favorable nutritional profile, particularly concerning their capacity to enhance digestibility and absorption in specific species, thereby improving overall feed efficiency. On the other hand, certain feed additives function as therapeutic agents, leveraged for their bioactive properties. These may encompass a variety of components, including botanicals, probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, chelators, algae, and other similar products. Additionally, nutraceuticals, which are formulations that incorporate plant extracts alongside essential nutrients, are designed to promote biological enhancements in the productive capacities of animals. Various nutraceuticals, particularly those integrating medicinal herbs, have been adopted in animal nutrition due to their proven biological activities. These activities include the maintenance of gut morphology, improvements in nutrient digestibility, and support for various physiological functions in the animals. This review endeavors to explore the different mechanisms through which gut modulators operate, particularly as influenced by their chemical compositions, and discusses methodologies employed to assess the impacts of nutraceuticals. Ultimately, the beneficial effects observed from the biological activities of these feed additives underscore their positive contributions to animal nutrition.