Cinnamon: a natural feed additive for broiler health

Previously, antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) were used to control gastrointestinal pathogens and reduce the effects of stressors on bowel function.

• However, growing consumer awareness towards the adverse effects of antibiotics on human health, coupled with increasing bacterial resistance and food safety concerns, have led to bans on antibiotic use in poultry production.

Phytogenic additives (PA) have emerged as alternatives to AGPs and have great potential within the poultry industry. For example, it has been shown that under heat stress conditions in poultry, these can:

• Enhance immune function
• Exert beneficial effects on health performance
• Reduce stress response (Rashid y col., 2020).

The natural antioxidants found in many PAs have also been found to be effective in extending the shelf life of poultry meat, as well as improving its quality and acceptability.

Phytochemicals from herbs and spices have attracted special attention as alternatives to AGPs due to their beneficial properties:

• Natural
• Reduced toxicity
• Free of chemical residues
• Easy-availability

Natural plant products have been found to have beneficial effects, such as:

• Increased secretion of digestive enzymes
• Immunostimulant
• Bactericide
• Antiviral
• Antioxidant

Cinnamon is considered one of the most potent PAs, and has great potential for poultry use.

The effects of cinnamon on the intestinal health of birds are shown in Figure 1.

Figura 1.Effect of cinnamon on poultry intestinal health

Source: Taken from  Akhtar Ali y col., 2021

Cinnamon

Cinnamon contains