USO DE ÓLEOS ESSENCIAIS NA ALIMENTAÇÃO DE SUÍNOS NA FASE DA CRECHE: UMA REVISÃO

Abstract

The objective of this study was to conduct a literature review on the use of essential oils in piglet feed during the nursery phase, focusing on their effects on productive performance, intestinal health, and immune response. Weaning stress represents a significant challenge for pig farming, and with the increased susceptibility to enteric disorders, the nursery phase is therefore one of the most critical, motivating research into alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. In this sense, essential oils are recognized for having antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, characteristics that have attracted growing scientific and practical interest, to achieve this objective, a qualitative and descriptive review was carried out, based on studies published in national and international databases, prioritizing works that directly addressed the effects of essential oils on piglets in the post-weaning phase. Aspects related to chemical composition, mechanisms of action, doses used, and results observed under different experimental conditions were considered, taken together, the reviewed studies suggest that these compounds may play a relevant role in modulating the intestinal microbiota, favoring the balance between beneficial and pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, they contribute to improved digestibility and zootechnical performance of piglets, reflected in greater weight gain and better feed conversion. Positive effects on intestinal mucosa integrity and immune response were also reported, reducing the incidence of postweaning diarrhea. Essential oils therefore appear promising as natural additives for the nursery phase, although their effectiveness depends on factors such as composition, dose, and application conditions, making greater standardization in usage protocols necessary.