The role of phytobiotics in mitigating stress and improving immune function in dairy cattle: a molecular review

Dairy cattle face numerous stressors that impair their health, productivity, and immune function. Phytobiotics, natural plant-derived compounds, are emerging as promising alternatives to synthetic additives for enhancing animal well-being. This review explores the molecular mechanisms by which phytobiotics mitigate stress and enhance the immune response in dairy cattle. We examine their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulatory properties, highlighting how phytobiotics modulate gene expression, lower stress-induced cortisol levels, improve heat tolerance, and enhance gut health. Incorporating phytobiotics into feed could lead to more resilient and productive herds, which may in turn improve animal welfare and profitability while reducing the reliance on antibiotics. However, future research is needed to explore how different phytobiotic combinations can be tailored to address specific stressors, such as heat stress or challenges during calving.This review focuses on the molecular level, detailing how phytobiotics modulate the immune system and promote disease resistance. Integrating phytobiotics into dairy cattle diets represents a powerful strategy for improving animal health, welfare, and productivity while minimizing reliance on antibiotics and synthetic growth promoters.