The use of essential oils as a growth promoter for small ruminants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: Background: Due to their antimicrobial properties and safety, essential oils are currently proposed as a sustainable option for antibiotic alternatives in the livestock sector. This current systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of dietary essential oil supplements on dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of small ruminants. Methods: A total of 12 studies (338 small ruminants) were included in this meta-analysis. The overall effect size was quantified using Hedges' g with 95% confidence interval (CI) using a fixed-effect model. Publication bias was inspected using Begg's and Egger's tests, followed by trim and fill method to detect the number of potential missing studies. Results: Insignificant h

SUBMITTER: Andri F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7331101 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature