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Allicin is the primary bioactive compound found in garlic, and it has been used for centuries in China. This natural substance exhibits a wide range of biological functions, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, blood pressure-lowering, lipid-lowering, antiplatelet aggregation, cancer-preventive, and antiviral properties. As a result, allicin has become an important ingredient in animal feed, especially in rural aquaculture and livestock farming. Its application not only improves productivity but also promotes sustainable development in the agricultural sector. In this article, we will explore the functional roles, usage methods, and practical applications of allicin in animal husbandry and aquaculture.
**1. The Functional Role of Allicin**
- **Antibacterial Effect**: Allicin effectively inhibits and kills harmful bacteria such as *Escherichia coli*, *Salmonella*, and *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*, which are common causes of diseases in livestock and aquatic animals. It is particularly effective against conditions like enteritis in pigs and cows, grass rot, red skin disease in fish, and other infectious diseases. This makes it a cost-effective and safe option for disease prevention in rural areas.
- **Improving Feed Palatability**: Many farmers use low-quality or long-acting drugs in compound feeds to reduce costs, which can lead to reduced feed intake and poor growth in animals. Adding allicin enhances the smell and taste of feed, encouraging animals to eat more. Especially for fish, the strong garlic aroma is very appealing, leading to increased feed consumption and better health.
- **Enhancing Production Performance**: Allicin not only increases feed intake but also helps prevent diseases, boosts immunity, and improves digestion by promoting gastrointestinal motility and enzyme secretion. These benefits lead to improved feed utilization, better growth rates, and lower feed costs.
- **Environmental Benefits**: When processed through enzymes, allicin can be converted into garlic vinegar, which is excreted in feces. This helps control pests in farms and ponds, improving overall hygiene and reducing disease risks.
**2. Usage and Dosage of Allicin**
Fresh garlic is commonly used in feed production. It can be crushed, ground, or mixed with feed ingredients before being added. The recommended dosage varies depending on the size of the animal. Typically, fresh garlic is added at 1% to 10% of the total feed, divided into small (1%-2%), medium (2%-4%), and large (5%-10%) groups.
**3. Application Results in Animal Husbandry**
In a test conducted at a foreign-invested layer hen farm, adding 50–100 mg of allicin per kilogram of feed resulted in a significant increase in egg production—up to 11.10%. For dairy cows, allicin improved the flavor of concentrate feed, increasing milk yield by 2.28 kg per day and reducing roughage consumption. In trials with lactating sows, allicin improved feed intake and piglet growth, resulting in higher weight gain and better feed conversion ratios.
**4. Effects in Fish Farming**
In the Yanxia Reservoir in Hubei Province, tilapia fed with 500 mg/kg of allicin showed a 11% increase in feed intake, a 12% improvement in feed efficiency, and a 2–5% rise in survival rate. Similarly, in Rujiatian Reservoir, allicin enhanced the feeding behavior of carp and grass carp. Using garlic oil at 0.008% of bait weight improved survival rates by over 15%, and weight gain increased by 10–15%.
**5. Future Prospects of Allicin**
Based on these practical results, allicin has proven to be a valuable tool in modern agriculture. It enhances productivity, reduces disease incidence, and lowers mortality rates. Additionally, it can partially replace antibiotics, helping to combat microbial resistance. With its natural origin and multiple benefits, allicin offers a promising alternative to synthetic additives in feed. As the demand for safer and healthier animal products grows, the application of allicin is expected to expand further in both livestock and aquaculture industries.