But until feed makers and pig producers can find out how to use these natural products correctly, they probably won't be too popular with North American producers. Hardy said feed formulators in Europe are basing their feed rations on poor information because they haven't had enough time to fully research herb and spice treatments. A wide variety of substances are used for various purposes. Cayenne, celery, cinnamon and bay leaves are being used to increase feed intake. Cayenne is also used to treat diarrhea, as are oregano and peppermint.
Chamomile is used as a sedative.
Fenugreek and meadowsweet are used to treat gastric ulcers. Garlic is widely used as an antibacterial treatment. Hardy said about three-quarters of European swine feed rations now include herbs and spices. Antibiotic health promoters were banned from animal feed because health authorities feared that mass antibiotic use would create antibiotic-resistant germs. Hardy said little effort is being made to outlaw the antibiotics in North America because consumers aren't as concerned about the issue as those in Europe.