Herbs as feed additives in small ruminant nutrition: A review

The prohibited use of nutritional antibiotics due to the emerging resistance of microbial pathogens has initiated a quest for alternatives to replace them in the feed of animals from different species and categories. Increasing attention is paid to plants’ natural antibiotic properties, the intake of which does not lead to resistance in any form. In recent years, the research interest into the use of various types of herbs as dietary additives for specific species and categories of animals is particularly increased. They are used to improve growth performance, feed conversion, health status, meat quality, as well as for prevention and treatment of various illnesses. Along with beneficial ingredients, plants contain several antinutritional factors (substances) of particular importance for young animals, for example weaned lambs. This article examines the effects of seven herbal species on growth traits, blood parameters and meat quality in small ruminants.