Review: Chestnut and quebracho tannins in pig nutrition: the effects on performance and intestinal health

Natural extracts are frequently adopted as a valuable alternative to antibiotics in intensive animal farming. Their diverse bioactive constituents such phytosterols, glucosinolates, carotenoids and polyphenols have shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory antibacterial effects. Tannins the largest class of polyphenol compounds plant extracts, which can be classified into two hydrolysable or condensed subgroups. Poultry swine nutrition most important sectors tannins been used, firstly adopting tannin-rich feedstuffs more recently, using tannin from different plants. Several commercial products available containing extracted European chestnut tree ( Castanea sativa Mill.) American quebracho Schinopsis spp.). these plants applied on farms due their ability improve performance health. These positive prominent effects associated with antinutritional reducing feed palatability, digestibility protein utilization feed. Some criticisms contrasting results regarding pig intestinal health reported. This paper provides an overview growth pigs order clarify appropriate dosage response various physiological stages.