Effects of phytogenic feed additives on the reproductive performance of animals

Ayman A Swelum; Nesrein M Hashem; Sameh A Abdelnour; Ayman E Taha; Husein Ohran; Asmaa F Khafaga; Khaled A El-Tarabily; Mohamed E Abd El-Hack

doi:10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.06.045

Effects of phytogenic feed additives on the reproductive performance of animals

Saudi J Biol Sci. 2021 Oct;28(10):5816-5822. doi: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.06.045. Epub 2021 Jun 18.

Authors

Ayman A Swelum^{1

2}, Nesrein M Hashem³, Sameh A Abdelnour⁴, Ayman E Taha⁵, Husein Ohran⁶, Asmaa F Khafaga⁷, Khaled A El-Tarabily^{8

9}, Mohamed E Abd El-Hack¹⁰

Affiliations

¹ Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
² Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt.
³ Department of Animal and Fish Production, Faculty of Agriculture (El-Shatby), Alexandria University, Alexandria 21545, Egypt.
⁴ Department of Animal Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt.
⁵ Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina 22578, Egypt.
⁶ Department of Physiology, University of Sarajevo, Veterinary Faculty, Zmaja od Bosne 90, 71 000 Sarajevo.
⁷ Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina 22758, Egypt.
⁸ Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, 15551, Al-Ain, United Arab Emirates.
⁹ Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch, 6150, Western Australia, Australia.
¹⁰ Department of Poultry, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44511, Egypt.

Abstract

The reproductive performance of ruminants is economically significant, and its improvement is a primary goal of the livestock industry to ensure its sustainability. Several approaches have been developed to use phytogenics as feed additives for several proposes, such as reducing methane emissions, and as an alternative to antibiotics. Phytogenics have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and metabolism-regulatory properties, and they are present at high levels in animal feeds. This current review considers the potential use of medicinal herbs on the reproductive performance of animals. The influence of diet on the fertility complications commonly noted in ruminants is of global interest. Although the effects of phytogenics on ruminant digestion and absorption are well-explored, their impact on reproductive performance remains poorly investigated. This review focuses on the influence of phytogenics on semen quality, hormonal profiles, and hematobiochemical indices in male ruminants. Based on available data, phytogenics are perceived to improve oocyte quality, reproductive performance, and pregnancy. However, further more comprehensive research on the benefits and potential hazards of the use of phytogenics is required to improve reproductive performance in ruminants.

Keywords: Medicinal herbs; Phytogenic feed additives; Reproductive performance; Ruminants; Sperms.

Publication types

Review