Summary
This updated systematic review examines phytobiotic additives—plant-derived compounds containing tannins, saponins, alkaloids and essential oils—as solutions for simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ruminant production whilst improving animal health and productivity. The paper synthesises evidence that these additives modulate rumen fermentation, reduce methane and nitrogen-related emissions, and exert multiple beneficial biological effects including antimicrobial and immunomodulatory actions. The authors conclude that phytobiotic additives represent a promising, sustainable approach to addressing both environmental and production challenges in ruminant agriculture, whilst noting the need for further research on synergistic combinations with probiotics.
Regional applicability
Findings are potentially applicable to UK livestock production, where methane reduction from cattle and sheep is a policy priority and integrated farm management approaches are increasingly adopted. However, the applicability may depend on the availability and cost-effectiveness of specific phytobiotic additives in UK supply chains, and on regulatory approval under UK/UKAS feed additive frameworks.
Key measures
Methane emissions from ruminants; nitrogen excretion; nitrous oxide emissions from soil; rumen fermentation parameters; animal productivity metrics; animal product quality; ruminal microbial respiration and nitrification rates
Outcomes reported
The review synthesised evidence on how phytobiotic additives (plant-derived compounds rich in secondary metabolites) influence rumen fermentation, reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions, and affect animal productivity and product quality. It examined the antimicrobial, antioxidant, anthelmintic and immunomodulatory properties of these additives, and their potential synergistic effects with probiotics.
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