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. 2021 Sep 25;11(10):2795. doi: 10.3390/ani11102795

Table 6.

List of feed additives useful in young chick nutrition.

Additive Examples Reasons for Use
Enzymes Xylanases, β-glucanases, phytase, protease To overcome the anti-nutritional effects of arabinoxylans (in wheat and triticale), β-glucans (in barley), or phytate (in all plant feedstuffs) and to improve the overall nutrient availability and feed value
Emulsifiers/biosurfactants Lysophosphatidyl choline Emulsification and improved lipid digestion
Antibiotic replacers 1
  • i.

    Direct-fed microbials

 Probiotics Provision of beneficial bacterial species such as lactobacilli and streptococci
  • ii.

    Prebiotics

 Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) Binding of harmful bacteria
  • iii.

    Organic acids

 Propionic acid, diformate Lowering of gut pH and prevention of the growth of harmful bacteria
  • iv.

    Botanicals

 Herbs, spices, plant extracts, essential oils Prevention of the growth of harmful bacteria
  • v.

    Antimicrobial proteins/peptides

 Lysozyme, lactacin F, lactoferrin, α-lactalbumin Prevention of the growth of harmful bacteria
Synthetic AA DL-methionine, L-lysine, L-threonine Diet formulation based on digestible AA and ideal protein concept

1 Due to the ban or restriction on the use of in-feed antibiotics, a multitude of compounds (individually and in combination) are being tested/used to improve the GIT health.