Choices: Essential oil application through feed or water

Essential oils, when used as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry production, can be administered either in the water or in the feed, with both forms of application having their benefits.

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Dr. Tim Broderick (Ralco)
Dr. Tim Broderick (Ralco)

Essential oils, when used as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry production, can be administered either in the water or in the feed, with both forms of application having their benefits.

Speaking during the TechTalk, “Essential Oils: From Source to Success,” Dr. Tim Broderick, poultry research & development manager for Ralco, highlighted some of the more significant  differences between the two applications. Broderick’s presentation was part of the International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) Marketplace, which is being held virtually in 2021.

Whether they are used in the feed or in the water, essential oils can be delivered safely, whether administered continuously or intermittently, or as a treatment or a preventative measure.

Application in water

Broderick explained that water administration increases the ability to modulate the dose and administration time, granting greater flexibility. However, he added, on-farm variability in water-based administration, along with differences in personnel and flocks can yield inconsistent results when comparing between different farms in a complex or within a country.

Application in feed

In-feed application yields continuous administration throughout the dietary phase that that

feed is fed, Broderick said. It also increases consistency between flocks, between houses and between farms. However, you do lose the ability to modulate the dose and duration during periods of increased stress or disease challenge, he said.

Avoid excessive use of essential oils

Excessive use of essential oils has been known to cause an irritation of tissue in the birds, which could lead to birds backing off from their feed or water, Broderick cautioned. This is more commonly seen in situations where essential oils are applied through the water, he said.

Broderick offered the recommendation that poultry producers routinely monitor the birds when essential oils are used to make sure that there are no ill effects.

Read more from IPPE Marketplace.

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