Abstract
The recent trend toward banning the use of antibiotics in poultry feed as a
growth promoter directs the scientific community to look for natural alternatives with
potential growth-promoting and immunomodulating properties. Phytogenic feed
additives have attracted significant attention as alternatives to antibiotics to improve
growth performance and enhance immune responses. They have anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, antiviral, and antifungal properties, depending on their chemical structure
and composition. Scientists are using these non-conventional ingredients as feed
additives in the form of oil or powder. Essential oils (EO) are volatile liquids produced
from aromatic plants. Their application has gained momentum in controlling
cholesterol as free radical scavengers, anti-microbials, antifungals, and stimulants of
digestive enzymes. EO's possible antimicrobial features against harmful pathogens are
primarily associated with the high content of volatile components in oils. The current
chapter highlights the beneficial impact of cinnamon oil as a feed additive on poultry
growth performance, meat quality, carcass traits, and its hypo-cholesterolaemic impact,
antioxidant act, microbiological aspects, and immunomodulatory effects.