Effect of herbal feed additive on the expression of selected Brachyspira hyodysenteriae genes

Abstract

Swine dysentery causing pathogen Brachyspira hyodysenteriae becomes increasingly difficult to eliminate from the herd due to widespread antimicrobial resistance. Due to restrictions on the use of antimicrobial drugs all over the world, functional feed additives have been applied to protect the health of the animals. Phytogenic feed additives have been found to act as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and they directly influence the host immune system. However, the exact mechanism of action of certain herbal feed additive products is unknown, therefore our goal is to determine the mechanism of action of a natural plant-based feed additive on B. hyodysenteriae bacteria.