Aromatic Plants - Feed Ingredient

Aromatic plants are a broad category of botanicals known for their distinctive scents and flavors, which arise from volatile essential oils and other aromatic compounds. Common examples include mint (Mentha spp.), thyme (Thymus spp.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), anise (Pimpinella anisum), and basil (Ocimum spp.).

In animal nutrition, including equine feed, aromatic plants or their extracts may be included to enhance flavor and palatability, provide functional benefits such as antimicrobial or antioxidant effects, and serve as natural alternatives to synthetic additives. Their use in equine diets is typically in small quantities, either as dried herbs, essential oils, or standardized extracts.