It turned out that herbs treat pigs better than antibiotics. This discovery could have far-reaching consequences for humans too

Pigs in Stolin district. Illustrative photo: Nasha Niva

For a long time, it was believed that intensive animal husbandry was impossible without the use of antibiotics and high doses of zinc, which stimulate growth and protect young animals from diseases. As SciTechDaily writes, researchers from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (USA) decided to test this axiom by conducting a rare-in-its-scale observation. They compared the impact on the life cycle of pigs of traditional drugs and natural phytochemicals derived from common oregano and rosemary.

Usually, scientists only analyze the first weeks after piglets are weaned from their mothers — the most difficult and stressful period in their lives. It is then that animals experience an imbalance of intestinal microflora, impaired feed absorption, and an increased risk of disease. But such a short observation horizon does not allow understanding how various additives affect the animals in the future.

To fill this gap, researchers observed pigs throughout their entire production cycle. The experiment involved 192 piglets, divided into four groups. One received no additives. The second received the standard "industrial" regimen: the antibiotic carbadox and high doses of zinc in the early post-weaning period.

Two other groups received plant-based additives: one received oregano extract (300 grams per ton of feed), and the other received a mixture of oregano, rosemary, and sodium humate at a dose of 900 grams per ton. Sodium humate, extracted from sedimentary rocks, possesses antidiarrheal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

To reflect standard industry practice, antibiotics and zinc were used only in the early post-weaning period. Phytochemical additives, however, were given to the animals continuously, which allowed evaluating their long-term effect.

Indicators and reasons for growth

At the start, everything looked predictable: pigs receiving antibiotics grew faster and gained more weight. But after stopping the treatment, this advantage disappeared.

Moreover, by the end of the period — on day 155 — the groups with plant-based additives showed the best results. The mixture of oregano, rosemary, and sodium humate proved particularly effective. Pigs receiving feed with it had the highest weight and better feed conversion.

To understand why this happens, researchers analyzed the microbiome — the totality of microorganisms in the gut — at several time points (days 0, 16, 126, and 155). And here, fundamental differences emerged.

In animals receiving antibiotics and zinc, there was a real decrease in microbial diversity and an increase in the number of potential pathogens. In contrast, plant-based additives supported and even enriched beneficial microflora. The group receiving oregano showed a higher number of bacteria associated with gut health and the development of neurotransmitters, including serotonin.

This means that the effect of phytochemicals is not limited only to digestion — it can also influence the general state of the body. According to the researchers' observations, these pigs also behaved calmer and showed less aggression, although this was not separately measured within the experiment.

These results are important not only from a productivity standpoint. The widespread use of antibiotics, as the authors note, contributes to the rise of antimicrobial resistance, which is why a number of countries have introduced restrictions or bans on their use in animal husbandry, primarily as growth stimulants. In addition, high doses of zinc, used to prevent post-weaning diarrhea, can accumulate in the environment as a heavy metal and harm plants.

In this context, plant-based alternatives look promising. Consumers are increasingly expecting products produced responsibly, and this research provides pig farmers with more natural tools.

At the same time, the researchers emphasize that there is currently no universal solution that could completely replace antibiotics in all conditions, so it is about finding and adapting various approaches.

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