The European Union (EU) had wide ban the usage of antibiotics as a growth enhancer in animal feed. The ban was initiated to overcome the emergence of bacteria and other microbes that are susceptible to antibiotics. In addition, the extensive usage of antibiotics, especially in tropical countries poses a major problem. This is due to, the climate condition in tropical countries encourage the endurance of microbes than in temperate countries. The focus towards antibiotic alternative is required due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria including Salmonella spp., Campylobacter spp., Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus spp in livestock production. Phytochemical compounds defined as plant-derived natural bioactive compounds. Plant secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, or phenolics appear to be quite specific for a given target in animals or humans. In this regard, secondary metabolites often act as neuro-receptors or enzymes which degrade neurotransmitters, ion channels, ion pumps, or elements of the cytoskeleton (mostly tubulin or microtubules). This indicates that there is hardly any cellular target that few plant secondary metabolites cannot modify.

To date, many reported studies have used herbal extracts rather than purified secondary metabolites compounds. Current studies have also excessively relied on in vitro data with limited use of animal models. Therefore, the effects of dietary plant secondary metabolites on farm animals are still scarce. In-depth studies should be carried out to screen and assess the potential secondary metabolites compounds in tropical plants. It is now accepted that the use of antibiotics in farms selects for a drug-resistant organism which then spread from farm to humans through the consumption of contaminated food. The legislation of antibiotic usage as a growth promoter has stimulated the interest to explore plant secondary metabolites as an alternative growth enhancer in livestock production.

Date of Input: 21/07/2020 | Updated: 21/07/2020 | mohdhusni