Utilization of certain unconventional feeds in poultry as natural alternatives to curb antimicrobial resistance

Abstract

Poultry market has been demonstrating emerging potential as an efficient producer of meat with consumption occupying 40.6% of market globally. The requirement of animal protein is anticipated to grow continuously for meeting the requirements by ever-growing human population. To fulfill this demand, the major challenge encountered by poultry breeders was to fasten production in most efficient and economical way. Use of antibiotic growth promoter in feed help in augmenting poultry growth and alter gut microbiota. However, the growing concern of its likely fatal impacts on animal, food safety and on humans for developing microbial resistance; their use was restricted and banned in several countries. With insinuation of ban, several alternatives were explored for having potential growth promoting benefits without hampering the normal gut microbiota. Various phytobiotics, prebiotics, probiotics, organic acids and unconventional feed have positive effects on feed intake, efficiency and play a role as antimicrobial. However, the meager knowledge on availability and potential use of unconventional feeds as potent antimicrobial restricts its application. This review focuses on certain non-conventional feeds rich in specific bioactive compounds, which are attributed to modulate intestinal microbiota, their effects on growth performance and overall health status of poultry. The review aims to serve as a reference for young researchers and poultry industry to recognize alternative feed ingredients to be used as antimicrobial growth promoters minimizing competition between human and animal consumption.