Allium Sativum (Garlic)

1. Introduction

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used traditionally for its health benefits, including antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties¹. In animal health, garlic is incorporated into diets to enhance growth performance, improve immune responses, and mitigate disease challenges across various species¹.

2. Organoleptic Properties

• Color: Off-white to light beige²
  
• Odor: Pungent, characteristic garlic aroma³
  
• Taste: Strong, spicy, and sulfurous⁴
  
• Solubility: Partially soluble in water; more soluble in ethanol⁵
  
• Particle Size: Available in fine powder and granulated forms
  

3. Key Bioactive Compounds

• Allicin: Provides antimicrobial and antiparasitic effects⁶
  
• Diallyl Disulfide: Contributes to antibacterial properties⁷
  
• S-allyl-cysteine: Offers antioxidant benefits⁸
  
• Ajoene: Exhibits antifungal activity⁹
  

4. Purpose and Usage by Species

Poultry

• Antiviral and Immunostimulatory Effects: Garlic supplementation has been shown to enhance immune responses in broiler chickens, potentially aiding in the prevention of viral infections¹⁰.
  
• Antibacterial Activity: Dietary garlic has demonstrated antibacterial properties in broiler and laying hens, contributing to improved health and productivity¹¹.
  
• Egg Production Enhancement: Meta-analyses indicate that garlic supplementation can increase hen-day egg production, egg mass, and eggshell quality in laying hens¹².
  

Swine

• Growth Performance and Health Improvement: Oral administration of garlic powder in post-weaning pigs has been associated with increased growth rates and improved clinical health¹³.
  
• Intestinal Microbiota Modulation: Garlic extract, combined with probiotics, has been observed to influence the intestinal microbiome of farrowing sows positively¹⁴.
  

Ruminants

• Rumen Fermentation Enhancement: Supplementing ruminant diets with garlic products can modulate rumen fermentation, potentially improving nutrient utilization and growth performance¹⁵.
  
• Therapeutic Potential: Garlic exhibits antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties, contributing to its therapeutic potential in ruminant health management¹⁵.
  

Aquatic Animals

• Growth and Immunity in Crayfish: Dietary garlic powder has been shown to enhance growth performance, digestive enzyme activity, and innate immunity in narrow-clawed crayfish¹⁶.
  
• Antiparasitic Activity in Fish: Garlic extracts have demonstrated efficacy against monogenean trematodes in Nile tilapia, indicating potential as a natural antiparasitic agent¹⁷.
  

Companion Animals (Dogs & Cats)

• Safety Considerations: While garlic has health benefits, it can be toxic to dogs and cats in certain forms and dosages, potentially leading to hemolytic anemia¹⁸. Careful consideration and veterinary consultation are advised before supplementation.
  

5. Standardized Botanical Powders Offering

• Crude Powder: Dried and ground garlic bulbs
  
• Standardized Extract: Concentrated forms with specified allicin content
  
• Granular Form: Processed for uniform particle size, suitable for feed blending
  

6. Synergistic Phytogenic Combinations

• Garlic and Oregano Essential Oils: Combined supplementation has been shown to improve ruminal fermentation in ruminants¹⁹.
  
• Garlic and Dandelion: This combination in diets has positively influenced performance and carcass traits in animals²⁰.

7. Nature’s Activ Differentiation

• Traceability: Sourced from regions known for high-quality garlic production
  
• Harvesting Age: Garlic bulbs are harvested at peak maturity for optimal bioactive compound content
  
• Standardization: Products are standardized to ensure consistent allicin levels
  
• Production Process: Utilizes advanced drying and extraction techniques to preserve bioactivity
  

8. Conclusion

Allium sativum serves as a versatile phytogenic ingredient with demonstrated benefits across multiple animal species, including antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and growth-promoting effects. Its incorporation into animal diets can enhance health and productivity. However, species-specific considerations, particularly in companion animals, are crucial. For custom formulations and bulk inquiries, please contact Naturesactiv.

References

1. PubMed Central. “Garlic in animal health: overview of antimicrobial activity.”
2. Taylor & Francis Online. “Physical and chemical properties of garlic powder.”
3. ResearchGate. “Garlic odor and flavor compounds in feed.”
4. Merck Veterinary Manual. “Organoleptic properties of phytogenic feed additives.”
5. ResearchGate. “Solubility profiles of garlic phytochemicals.”
6. Iowa State University Extension. “Allicin and its role in livestock health.”
7. PoultryDVM. “Diallyl disulfide: activity and benefits.”
8. eafpbulletin.scholasticahq.com. “S-allyl-cysteine in aquatic feed.”
9. DVM 360. “Garlic-derived ajoene as a natural antifungal.”
10. PMC. “Garlic supplementation in poultry immune response.”
11. PeerJ. “Antibacterial properties of dietary garlic in broilers.”
12. ScienceDirect. “Meta-analysis of garlic on egg production in laying hens.”
13. Pig333. “Garlic powder improves piglet growth post-weaning.”
14. BioMed Central. “Probiotic and garlic extract synergy in sows.”
15. Veterinary World. “Effect of garlic on rumen fermentation.”
16. ScienceDirect. “Garlic powder improves crayfish immunity and growth.”
17. PubMed. “Garlic extract effectiveness against parasites in tilapia.”
18. Merck Veterinary Manual. “Toxicological concerns of garlic in pets.”
19. PMC. “Garlic and oregano oil improve fermentation in ruminants.”
20. ScienceDirect. “Performance traits in livestock fed garlic and dandelion.”

FDA Disclaimer

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is intended for use in animals only and should be administered under veterinary supervision.