Which animals are not suitable for using allicin as a feed additive?

      Although allicin is safe to use in most farmed animals, some animals need to be used with caution or avoided due to physiological characteristics, breeding objectives, or sensitive reactions, as follows:

1、 Strictly restrict the use of animals

Newborn young animals

      Newly born piglets (within 1 week of birth), chicks (within 3 days of hatching), and newborn calves/lambs: These animals have extremely delicate digestive system mucosa, and the irritation of allicin may cause gastrointestinal mucosal damage, leading to vomiting and diarrhea; And the rumen microbiota of newborn ruminants has not been established, and the sulfur-containing compounds of allicin may interfere with the colonization of the microbiota, affecting later digestive function. It is recommended to wait until the animal has passed the neonatal period (such as after weaning piglets or after 7 days of age in chicks), and then gradually add a small amount.

Partial aquatic crustaceans

      Such as shrimp, crab, and crayfish: Crustaceans have sensitive gill structures, and the dissolved allicin in the water may stimulate the gill mucosa, leading to respiratory disorders; At the same time, the formation of its shell is related to the metabolism of sulfur-containing substances, and excessive addition may affect the efficiency of molting, increasing the risk of soft shell and attempted molting. If antibacterial is required, it is recommended to prioritize organic acids or probiotics that are milder for crustaceans.

2、 Animals not recommended for regular use

bee

      Bee farming focuses on the production of honey and beeswax. The strong odor of allicin can directly contaminate bee products, causing honey to have a spicy taste and lose its commercial value; Moreover, bees are sensitive to odors, and allicin may interfere with their homing behavior and honey harvesting efficiency, affecting bee colony vitality.

Some pets (such as cats and small dogs)

      Pets (especially cats) have weaker metabolic capacity for sulfur-containing compounds, and long-term or excessive intake of allicin may cause red blood cell damage (similar to onion poisoning), leading to hemolytic anemia; And pet food pays more attention to palatability, as the pungent odor of allicin can easily cause pets to refuse to eat. If pets need intestinal regulation, it is recommended to choose pet specific probiotics.

Benthic aquatic animals (such as loaches and eels)

      These animals have a thin mucous layer on their skin and live in the bottom layer of water for a long time. The residue of allicin in the bottom layer of water can easily irritate the skin, leading to abnormal mucus secretion and increasing the risk of infection; At the same time, its diet tends to be putrid, and the odor of allicin may inhibit feeding and affect growth.

3、 Special circumstances that require caution in use

      Ruminant animals (adult cattle, sheep): Although they can be used, the dosage should be controlled (excessive use may inhibit rumen fiber degrading bacteria, affecting fermentation efficiency), and avoid mixing with alkaline feed (such as baking soda) to prevent a decrease in allicin activity and exacerbate rumen acid-base imbalance.

      Poultry during egg laying period: Adding a small amount can enhance immunity, but excessive amount may cause the color of eggshells to become lighter (sulfur-containing substances affect pigment deposition), and the amount should be strictly controlled according to the special feed formula for laying hens.

      In summary, the applicability of allicin needs to be comprehensively judged based on the physiological stage, species characteristics, and breeding objectives of animals, and not all animals are suitable for use. For uncertain categories, it is recommended to conduct small-scale trial feeding first, observe animal feeding and health status without abnormalities before promoting.