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The use of natural feed additives as alternative to an antibiotic growth promoter in broiler diets

Antimicrobial compounds are commonly included in poultry diets for promoting of growth and control of diseases. The European Union banned feed grade antibiotic growth promoters, due to, not only cross-resistance, but also to the risk of possible drugs multiple resistances in human pathogenic bacteria. Only two such drug-related compounds are planned to remain in use (Gill, 1999; Bach Knudsen, 2001; Schwarz et al., 2001; Shane, 2001). Feeds containing no chemical additives are increasingly used in poultry nutrition. Therefore, antibiotic growth promoters were discredited by consumer associations as well as by scientists, e.g. the use of most antibiotic growth promoters was banned by the European Union.