The last two decades have seen a substantial increase in the use of aromatics herbs and essential oils for animal health and nutrition (Franz et al., 2010). In relation to public awareness of the potential health risks and environmental problems caused by in-feed antibiotics, growth hormones and some synthetic pharmaceuticals, as well as in relation with trends towards more natural approaches of food production, numerous research programs were established focusing on cultivation and extraction of plants and the use of their health related compounds for feeding animals.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) and especially its essential oil rich in carvacrol is a very promising plant with a high potential for animal health and nutrition. The production of carvacrol through the cultivation of oregano offers a high value natural product with a high supply security, a high quality and a good traceability.
The oregano cultivar CARVA, developped by the Swiss Reseach Station Agroscope, answers perfectly to the demand of the molecule carvacrol and assure high and stable yields with a low variability of quality during the year and over the years. The contents of essential oil (6 – 7%) and carvacrol (75%) are very high as shown by several tests conducted in different regions of middle Europe. With a potential production within two years of 400 l/ha of essential oil with a carvacrol content of 75%, oregano cultivation with the cultivar CARVA can be considered as a valuable source of natural carvacrol for the industry.
References:
[1] Franz C., Baser K.H.C., Windisch W., 2010. Essential oils and aromatic plants in animal feeding-a European perspective. A review. Flavour Fragr. J., 25, 327 – 340.
