Essential oils (EOs) are aromatic products made from a combination of
components extracted from plant materials used in food, cosmetics, and medicine,
among several other applications. EOs are extracted using various extraction methods
from the bark, seeds, leaves, peel, buds, flowers, and other components of medicinal
plants. Techniques used to extract EO include steam distillation, solvent-assisted
extraction, hydrodistillation, ultrasonic extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, and
solvent-free microwave extraction. EO affects the intestinal health and growth
efficiency of different animal species. EO has been reported to improve pancreatic
amylase, trypsin, and maltase levels and increase digestibility. EO has antioxidant
action, lowers lipid oxidation in meat, and enhances shelf-life. The present chapter
summarizes some of the beneficial effects of oregano EO on poultry production and
health.
Keywords: Essential oil, Gut health, Growth promoter, Livestock, Oxidative stress.
