Essential oils as alternatives to antibiotics

Following the ban on the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in the livestock industry in Europe and the United States, research has been intensified to find alternatives to promote gut health, to prevent post-weaning diarrhea, and to sustain the efficiency of current swine production. Among the alternatives, essential oils (also known as phytogenic plant products) have a great potential to replace antibiotics. They are generally considered natural, less toxic, and free from residues. They