Greek experience of the use of phytogenic feed additives in organic pig farming

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to present brief updating information about the use of phytogenic feed
additives in Greek organic pig farming. Organic pig production systems in Greece are growing in
popularity over the last years due to the increasing interest of consumers for organic products. The
National Greek projects of organic pig farming started in 2002 and since then it has increased,
representing the 15% of the total organic livestock production. Phytogenic feed additives are plantderived products used in animal feeding to improve the performance of agricultural livestock. This
class of feed additives has recently gained increasing interest, especially for use in pigs. During the last
few years the number of Greek pig organic farmers who use phytogenic feed additives as potential
alternatives to antibiotics for prevention and control enteric diseases and as growth promoters, is
increased.