Primary biological function and application of Chinese herbal feed additives

Chinese herbal medicine has been used in the feed industry owing to its natural properties, low toxicity, non-resistance, and special biological functions. With the implementation of feed non-resistance and breeding anti-resistance policy, Chinese herbal medicine as an additive in animal feed is been increasingly used, and there has been an increased interest in elucidating its biological functions. At present, Chinese herbal medicinal additives have shown unique advantages in promoting animal production, performance, and immunity. Research on the mechanism of its action focuses mainly on promoting growth, development of immune organs, and other aspects; however, there are relatively few studies focusing on other aspects. In the present study, a Chinese herbal medicine was reviewed as a feed additive for animal growth performance, production, animal product quality, animal health, and the environment. Moreover, the primary biological function and the related mechanism was outlined to provide reference for technical research, product development, and production as Chinese herbal medicinal feed additives in China.