Navigating The World of Phytogenics in Swine Nutrition

Friday, November 21, 2025

By Lauren Dawson, PhD

In Canada and around the world, the swine industry is undergoing transformation, driven by evolving consumer expectations, regulatory pressures, and the growing demand for sustainable production practices. Within this landscape, phytogenics have emerged as a promising innovation in animal nutrition.

These plant-derived feed additives are becoming increasingly popular, with an ever-expanding range of products on the market. With so many options available, it’s important for swine producers to understand what phytogenics are, how they work, and when they can bring the most value; this knowledge is key to making informed, profitable decisions.

What are phytogenics?

The term ‘phytogenic’ means ‘derived from plants.’ In animal nutrition, phytogenics are feed additives that contain bioactive components derived from plants that can be used to improve animal performance and health. Examples of plants that have been used in livestock feed include oregano, capsicum, cinnamon, and turmeric.

Although they are often discussed as alternatives to antibiotics, phytogenics do not target microbes directly at typical inclusion levels. Instead, these novel, plant-based functional ingredients act on the host animal, with the potential to alter the animal’s physiology, metabolism, or nutrient absorption. When phytogenic compounds are provided in the right combinations and at the right dosages, they can support pigs in reaching their full potential.

How do phytogenics work?

The gastrointestinal tract has a large surface area and is important for digestion. Scientists have realized that it acts as much more than a digestive organ. Furness and colleagues (2013) describe the gut as a sensory organ that can detect and process messages from its environment through receptors located on the intestinal cells facing the inner space of the gut. The molecules in an animal’s diet can interact with these receptors to target, desensitize or block certain signals. The signals initiate a chain of adjustments within the animal’s body, which can impact processes like metabolism, immunity, hormone secretion, or inflammation. As a result, including these molecules in an animal’s diet can ultimately impact their health and performance.

Selecting the right phytogenics

Choosing the most effective phytogenic solution requires understanding the source, form, and mode of action. One of the most critical distinctions is between natural and synthetic forms of phytogenics.

Natural phytogenics are extracted directly from plant materials through processes such as steam distillation, solvent extraction, or maceration. These extracts often contain a complex mixture of active compounds, which can work synergistically to influence many physiological pathways. This complexity can enhance bioactivity in animals, even at lower inclusion levels. The combination of different products and their associated bioactives is termed a phytocomplex.

In contrast, synthetic phytogenics are lab-produced versions of individual plant metabolites, such as pure carvacrol (from oregano) or thymol (from thyme). While these offer high purity and standardization, they lack the supporting compounds found in natural extracts. In other words, they are missing the other elements that are included alongside the natural version. This can limit their functional range and reduce their ability to interact with the animal in a nuanced way. For example, studies have shown that natural forms of artemisinin – a plant-derived compound used to treat malaria – can have higher bioavailability and efficacy compared to synthetic versions, underscoring the importance of providing the full plant matrix (Weathers et al., 2011).

The opportunity in swine production

Innovations in phytogenic feed additives present swine producers with new tools to enhance performance. For example, our internal research trials have investigated different phytocomplexes across all stages of swine production – piglets, grow-finishers, and sows – to see which mixes, doses, and stages can bring the most benefit. In a recent nursery trial with nutritional zinc levels, one phytogenic mix showed promising results on performance, which could help producers once high levels of zinc oxide are banned.

With all phytogenics, the key is to match the right product to your herd’s needs, goals, and management system. Your nutritionist is your best resource for navigating the various available phytogenic additives. With an understanding of both the science and your specific on-farm situation, they can help you select the best solutions for your operation. BP