Journal of
Cell and Animal Biology

  • Abbreviation: J. Cell Anim. Biol.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1996-0867
  • DOI: 10.5897/JCAB
  • Start Year: 2007
  • Published Articles: 261

Review

Greek experience of the use of phytogenic feed additives in organic pig farming

V. G. Papatsiros1*, E. D. Tzika2, P. D. Tassis2, D. Kantas3, L. C. Filippopoulos4 and D. S. Papaioannou5
1Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100, Karditsa, Greece. 2Farm Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. 3Department of Animal Production, Technological Educational Institute of Larissa, Greece. 4Research Associate Technical Manager, PROVET, Vrago, Aspropyrgos, Attica Greece. 5Department of Obstetrics and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Greece.
Email: [email protected]

  •  Accepted: 05 December 2011
  •  Published: 31 December 2011

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to present brief updating information about the use of phytogenic feed additives in Greek organic pig farming. Organic pig production systems in Greece are growing in popularity over the last years due to the increasing interest of consumers for organic products. The National Greek projects of organic pig farming started in 2002 and since then it has increased,representing the 15% of the total organic livestock production. Phytogenic feed additives are plant-derived products used in animal feeding to improve the performance of agricultural livestock. This class of feed additives has recently gained increasing interest, especially for use in pigs. During the last few years, the number of Greek pig organic farmers who use phytogenic feed additives as potential alternatives to antibiotics for prevention and control enteric diseases and as growth promoters, is increased.

 

Key words: Organic farming, pig, phytogenic feed additives, Greece.