NL Journal of Veterinary and Animal Nutrition
(ISSN: 3139-3810 )

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Synergistic Effects of Phytogenics, Prebiotics and Organic Acids on Gut Health and Performance in Poultry

Author(s) : Rishitha Chowdary Mavillapalli, C.P. Sarath, Basil Elthose, Praveen Prabhakaran, Praseedha Balan*.
DOI : 10.71168/NVA.02.03.132

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Abstract

The poultry industry is moving toward the use of antibiotic-free production systems in response to concerns regarding antimicrobial resistance, regulatory restrictions on antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs), and increasing consumer demand for sustainable poultry products. This change has highlighted the importance of gut health as a major factor affecting nutrient utilization, immune competence, disease resistance and growth performance. A healthy GI tract supports effective digestion and absorption of nutrients, a balanced microbial ecosystem and intestinal barrier function. Phytogenics feed additives, prebiotics and organic acids are among the nutritional alternatives to AGPs that have been well studied. These feed additives act through different but complementary mechanisms to improve gut resilience. Phytogenic compounds have antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Prebiotics selectively stimulate beneficial intestinal microorganisms and stimulate the production of SCFAs. Organic acids act by decreasing intestinal pH, inhibiting pathogenic bacteria, improving the digestibility of nutrients and promoting intestinal integrity. Research shows that often the greatest benefits are achieved with a combination of these additives. They act synergistically targeting microbial modulation, epithelial barrier function, immune responses, oxidative status, and digestive efficiency leading to improved gut resilience and productive performance. These integrated strategies are associated with enhanced body weight gain, enhanced FCR, improved nutrient utilization and reduced disease susceptibility in poultry. This review summarizes the current understanding of the mechanisms, functional benefits and practical application of Phytogenics, prebiotics, and organic acids in poultry nutrition. It also emphasizes new opportunities in precision nutrition, microbiome guided feeding, and multi-functional feed additive strategies that may support sustainable poultry production in the post-antibiotic era. Keywords: Poultry nutrition, Phytogenic feed additives, Prebiotics, Organic acids, Gut microbiota, Fructo-oligosaccharides, Cinnamaldehyde, Carvacrol, Antibiotic alternatives, Broiler performance.

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