Some time ago, I was interviewed by a journalist from the EenVandaag current affairs programme. (View the broadcast, in Dutch) She was making a series of reports about the problems of using antibiotics in livestock farming. The uncurbed use of antibiotics (mainly as a preventive measure and as a growth enhancer) has led to more and more bacteria becoming resistant. In some cases, the problem of resistance can even affect humans. The ‘success’ of the MRSA bacteria is a good example. So we really need to change the way we use antibiotics and look for alternatives. The sector and politicians are now convinced of this need.
Preventive medicine
One of my lines of research at RIKILT, part of Wageningen UR, is the use of herbs as an alternative to growth-enhancing antibiotics. Herbs do not offer an alternative when it comes to fighting acute infections; this is still a job for antibiotics. But herbs are infinitely suitable as an alternative for preventive remedies to make animals hardier. Adding specific herbs to animal fodder or as a feed supplement will prevent them from becoming ill. To my mind, this is far preferable to pumping animals full of antibiotics once they succumb to illness when it is actually too late.
There are various herbs that farmers could use: ethereal oils with an antibacterial effect, such as those extracted from oregano, cinnamon, thyme and rosemary. But pepper, cinnamon and garlic can also have a positive effect on health. They reinforce the gut flora, giving the animals a better chance to withstand stress, keep eating, grow better and moult less. Much of the immune system is located in the gut, so healthy guts mean healthy animals.
Let me try to explain how herbs work: plants contain various active ingredients such as phenols, terpenes and ethereal oils. Most medicinal substances found in herbs are secondary metabolites. These are substances that plants produce in response to stress caused by organisms such as bacteria, moulds or viruses. This means that these substances have a targeted effect. Herbal substances are natural and have a complex composition by definition. They can therefore work on various areas simultaneously. A single herb can have a positive effect on the appetite, stimulate the digestion and activate the immune system, as well as having an antimicrobial effect, for example.
Organic farmers are not the only ones changing to herbal remedies; many regular farmers are also pleased with the results. Scientific research has shown that active ingredients like carvacrol obtained from oregano and thyme, allicin from garlic (to name but two) have a positive effect on the gut flora.
Not a universal remedy
But herbs are not a universal remedy. Using herbs is just one of the management measures that farmers can take. I consider it essential that in addition to using herbs, farmers should take a critical look at the quality of the feed, water, hygiene, climate, occupancy rate etc. on their farms. And keep a close eye on the animals; prompt intervention is the best way of avoiding problems. A review of all management factors is essential for improving profits. Herbs could play an important part in this.
Maria Groot, researcher at RIKILT, part of Wageningen UR
RIKILT has compiled booklets with information about the use of herbs for poultry, dairy animals and pigs. They contain a description of the most common ailments and explain which management measures farmers should take, and which herbal remedies can be used to boost health and prevent illness. The booklets are primarily aimed at organic farmers, but can be downloaded by anyone interested via internet: www.fyto-v.nl