Phytogenic feed additive

Description

1 PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVE TECHNICAL DOMAIN The invention relates to a phytogenic feed additive, as well as a feed composition in which such a feed additive is applied, a use of the feed additive and a method for the preparation of such a feed additive. STANDDER TECHNIEK 10 Phytogenic feed additives are increasingly being used in animal feed due to their natural origins and potential to promote the overall health and productivity of animals. These additives, which often include essential oils, herbs, and extracts, are known for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Essential oils, obtained from plants such as oregano, thyme, and eucalyptus, have received particular attention due to their ability to inhibit pathogenic microorganisms and support gut health. The use of these additives aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and natural alternatives to antibiotics in livestock farming. Developments in this field are becoming increasingly sophisticated,aiming to formulate feed additives that are not only effective but also better aligned with the needs of specific animal species and production systems. Current phytogenic feed additives still face challenges such as variability in composition, limited stability and bioavailability, interactions with other feed components, and cost efficiency, making further development necessary to improve their effectiveness and reliability. To overcome these limitations, intensive research is being conducted into new formulation technologies with a view to improving stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of active ingredients, leading to more consistent performance under diverse feeding conditions. The present invention aims to find a solution for at least some of the above-mentioned problems. 35 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 2 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention concerns a feed additive within claim 1. More specific and feed additive-comprising: (a)essential oils,in an amount between 20 and 50 wt.%, where the essential oils include at least sugenol, carvacrols and cinnamaldehyde, (b) one or more antioxidants, where at least one antioxidant is a flavonoid, and (c) capsaicin. The invention also concerns a method for the preparation of such a feed additive according to claim 17, a feed composition in which such a feed additive is used according to claim 19, and a use of the feed additive according to claim 20. The feed additive based on the current invention is particularly suitable for use in poultry and pig farming due to the presence of natural phytogenic compounds. These compounds beneficially modulate the impact of 15 pathogenic bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract of poultry, among others. Specifically, this can be achieved by applying a sub-MIC dosing, where the main mechanism of action consists of Quorum Sensing Interference (QSI). This mechanism disrupts the quorum sensing communication of bacteria,especially in Gram-negative species. Furthermore, an additional synergistic effect is achieved through the use of various bioactive substances that act on different quorum sensing communication systems. This approach offers an innovative and effective solution for controlling pathogenic bacteria in poultry. It is a goal of the present invention to provide a feed additive for improving digestion and / or growth, especially in poultry (broilers, laying hens, breeders, turkeys, ducks, game birds) and pigs (piglets, fattening pigs, sows). DETAILED DESCRIPTION The invention concerns a phytogenic feed additive. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as they are generally understood by the skilled professional in the technical field of the invention. For a better assessment of the description of the invention, the following terms are explicitly explained. 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 3 The term “feed additive” refers to a product or composition,which may be, for example, a solid (e.g. powder, granules, pellets), semi-solid (e.g. gel, cream, paste) or liquid (e.g. solutions, suspensions, emulsions) product or composition that is suitable for and / or intended for addition to animal feed in order to obtain one or more beneficial effects. However, the feed additive is not sufficient in itself to meet the nutritional needs of the animal. The feed additive and the various components of the feed additive may, for example, be present in different concentrations and may, for example, be diluted when added to the composition of the animal feed. Although the feed additive is preferably consumed by the animal together with the usual animal feed, the feed additive may also be consumed by the animal separately from any animal feed, for example as a liquid (e.g. diluted in water) or in the form of a bolus or tablet. The term “phytogenic feed additive” refers to a feed additive that consists of active substances found in plants,which can have a positive effect on the performance and health of the animal or contribute to reducing or preventing problems. The term “feed”, as used in the text, refers to all compounds, preparations, mixtures or compositions that are suitable for or intended for consumption by an animal. The term “essential oil” is synonymous with “essential oil” and refers to a liquid obtained from a plant. The essential oil can, for example, be a hydrophobic liquid. The essential oil can be obtained from one or more leaves, stems, flowers, seeds, bark, roots or other parts of the plant. The essential oil can be obtained by distillation (for example, steam distillation). Other processes for obtaining essential oils are expression, solvent extraction, fumatura, extraction of absolute oil, and resin tapping.embedding in wax and cold pressing. Essential oils generally contain one or more of the compounds that give the plant its characteristic scent. Essential oils are generally also volatile. The term "antioxidant" as used herein refers to a compound that inhibits oxidation and prevents oxidative damage, including substances such as flavonoids and hydroxytyrosol. 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 4 The term "flavonoid" as used herein refers to a class of polyphenolic compounds. Chemically, flavonoids have the common structure of a carbon skeleton, which consists of two phenyl rings. “A”, “the” and “the” in this document refer to both the singular and the plural unless context clearly implies otherwise. For example, “a segment” means one or more than a segment. The terms “comprehensive”, “comprehensive”, “consist of”, “consisting of”, “provided with”, “contain”, “containing”, “encompass”, “containing”, “include”, “containing” are synonyms and are inclusive or open terms that indicate the presence of what follows,and which do not exclude or prevent the presence of other components, features, elements, members, steps, known from or described in the standard technique. 15 Citing numerical intervals through the endpoints includes all integers, fractions and / or real numbers between the endpoints, including these endpoints. In a first aspect, the invention concerns a feed additive. The feed additive is preferably a phytogenic feed additive.20 In a specific form, the feed additive comprises at least one essential oil. Non-limiting examples of suitable essential oils are (listed with the scientific name and active ingredients of the plant from which they are derived): ferula (ajwain)(aniseindicum; thymol), anise (anise; alpha-pinene, camphene, beta-25 pinene, linalool, cis-anethol, trans-anethol, safrole, anisaldehyde, acetoacetyl ether), basil (basilicum)(basilicum (Ocimumbasilicum), linalool, methylpiperonyl alcohol, methyl cinnamate, linolenic acid), sweet flag (Acorus calamus; alpha-asarone, beta-asarone,eugenol),Capsicum(Capsicum)(Capsicumannuum,Capsicum frutescens; capsaicin),carumcarvi(caraway),carvone,limonene,thymol,carvacrol,cardamom30 (cardamomum),alpha-pinene,beta-pinene,sabinene,myrcene,alpha-phellandrene, limonene,1,8-cineole,gamma-terpinene,p-thymol,terpinolene,linalool,linalyl acetate, terpinen-4-ol,alpha-terpineol acetate,citronellol,nerol,geraniol,methyl eugenol,trans-nerolidol. 35 Other examples include piperonyl (genus, terpineol, farneeseen, matrixene, flavin, quercetin, tagetine and luteolin), chamomile, anthurium anthrisol (prunus), Anthriscus sylvestris (carvacrol), anthurium andraeanum (carvacrol), chrysanthemum (wild 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 5 chrysanthemum flower; limonene, beta-farneeseen, 1,8-cineole, camphor, borneol, bornyl acetate), cinnamon (cinnammon) (cinnamomum zeylanicum; cinnamaldehyde, ethyl cinnamate, eugenol, beta-caryophyllene, linalool, methylpiperonyl alcohol), clove (syzyrium aromaticum), eugenol acetate, caryophyllene, coriander (coriander) (coriander sativum),linalool,neryl acetate,gamma-terpinene,alpha-pinene,dill (dill)5 (Anethum graveolens; carvone, limonene, eucalyptol, myristylether). In one formulation, the feed additive contains feugenol. In another or further formulation, the feed additive contains at least carvacrol. In another or further formulation, the feed additive contains at least cinnamaldehyde. In another or further formulation, the feed additive contains two or more essential oils chosen from eugenol, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde. In a specific formulation, the essential oil may contain at least eugenol, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde. In one formulation, the feed additive contains essential oils, in an amount of at least 10 wt.%, preferably at least 15 wt.%, or even at least 20 wt.%. In a further form, the feed additive contains essential oils, in an amount of at least 25 wt.%, preferably at least 30 wt.%.20 In another or further form, the feed additive contains essential oils, in an amount of maximum 60 wt.%, preferably maximum 55 wt.%,or even up to 50 wt.%. In a further form, the feed additive contains essential oils, in a quantity of up to 45 wt.%, preferably up to 4025 wt.%, or even up to 38 wt.%. In another or further form, the feed additive contains essential oils, in a quantity between 10 and 60 wt.%, preferably between 15 and 55 wt.%, or even between 20 and 50 wt.%. In a further form, the feed additive contains essential oils, in a quantity between 25 and 45 wt.%, preferably between 30 and 40 wt.%, or even between 30 and 38 wt.%. In a specific formulation, the feed additive contains essential oils, in an amount between 20 and 50 wt.%, the feed additive contains at least seugenol, 35 carvacrols and cinnamaldehyde. 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 6 In a formulation, the feed additive contains cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol in a weight ratio of at least 1 / 1, preferably at least 1.2 / 1, more preferably at least 1.4 / 1, and even more preferably at least 1,6 / 1. In another or further form, the feed additive contains decinnamaldehyde5 and carvacrolin at a weight ratio of maximum 3 / 1, preferably maximum 2.5 / 1, more preferably maximum 2.2 / 1, and even more preferably maximum 2.0 / 1, or even maximum 1.9 / 1. In another or further form, the feed additive contains decinnamaldehyde10 and carvacrolin at a weight ratio between 1 / 1 and 3 / 1, preferably between 1.2 / 1 and 2.5 / 1, more preferably between 1.4 / 1 and 2.2 / 1, and even more preferably between 1.6 / 1 and 2.0 / 1, or even between 1.7 / 1 and 1.9 / 1. In a specific formulation, the feed additive contains essential oils, in an amount between 20 and 50 wt. %, the feed additive contains at least sugenol, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde, where the feed additive contains cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol in a weight ratio between 1.4 / 1 and 2.2 / 1. In a formulation, the feed additive contains one or more antioxidants. Non-limiting examples of antioxidants include ascorbic acids and salts thereof, ascorbyl palmitate, ascorbyl stearate, oxycodone,N-acetylcysteine, benzylisothiocyanate, o-,m-ofp-aminobenzoic acid (o-anthranilic acid and p-PABA), butylhydroxyanisole (BHA), butylhydroxytoluene (BHT), caffeic acid, canthaxanthin, alpha-carotene, beta-apo-caroteneic acid, carnosol, carvacrol, catechin, cetyl gallate, chlorogenic acid, citric acid25 and salts thereof, p-coumaric acid, curcumin, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, N'-diphenyl- p-phenylenediamine (DPPD), dilaurylthiodipropionate, distearyldipropionate and salts thereof, 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, dodecyl gallate, edetic acid, ellagic acid, erythorbic acid, sodium erythorbate, esculetin, esculin, 6-ethoxy-1,2-dihydro-2,2,4-trimethylquinoline, ethyl gallate, ethyl maltol, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 30 eugenol, ferulic acid, flavonoids, fraxines, fumaric acid, gallic acid, gentian extract, gluconic acid, glycine, guaiac, alpha-hydroxybenzylphosphonic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, hydroxyglutaric acid, hydroquinone, N-hydroxysuccinic acid, hydroxytyrosol, hydroxyurea, lactic acids and salts thereof, lecithin, lecithin citrate, R-alpha-lipoic acid, lutein, lycopene, malic acid,maltol, 5-methoxytryptamine, methyl gallate, 35 monoglycerin citrate, mono-isopropyl citrate, morine, beta-naphthoquinone, nordihydroguaiaretinic acid (NDGA), octyl gallate, oxalic acid, palmityl citrate, phenothiazine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphoric acid, polyphosphate, quercetin, trans-resveratrol, 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 7 rosmarinic acid, sesamol, silymarin, sinic acid, succinic acid, stearyl citrate, syringic acid, tartaric acid, thymol, tocopherol (e.g. alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta- tocopherols), tocotrienols, tyrosol, vanillic acid, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4- hydroxyphenylmethanol(Ionox100),2,4-(tri-3',5'-bis-tert-butyl-4'-hydroxybenzyl)-mesitylene(Ionox330),2,4,5-trihydroxybuterphenone, ubiquinone, tert-butylhydroquinone 5 (TBHQ), thiodipropionic acid, trihydroxybuterphenone, tryptamine, tyramine, uric acid, vitamin K derivatives, vitamin Q10, zeaxanthin or combinations thereof. Natural antioxidants that may be included in the feed additive include, but are not limited to, apple peel extract, blueberry extract, carrot juice powder, clove extract,coffee cherry, coffee bean extract, cranberry extract, eucalyptus extract, ginger powder, grape seed extract, green tea, olive leaf, parsley extract, mint, allspice extract, pulp, pomegranate extract, rice bran extract, rosehips, rosemary extract, sage extract, sour cress extract, tomato extract, turmeric and wheat germ oil.15 In one form, the feed additive contains one or more antioxidants, in an amount of at least 5 wt.%, preferably at least 10 wt.%. In a further form, the feed additive contains one or more antioxidants, in an amount of at least 12 wt.%, preferably at least 15 wt.%, or even at least 20 wt.%. In another or further form, the feed additive contains one or more antioxidants, in an amount of maximum 50 wt.%, preferably maximum 40 wt.%. In a further formulation form, the feed additive contains one or more 25 antioxidants, in an amount of maximum 35 wt.%, preferably maximum 30 wt.%,or even up to 25 wt.%. In another or further form, the feed additive contains one or more antioxidants, in an amount between 5 and 50 wt.%, preferably between 30, 10 and 50 wt.%, or even between 10 and 40 wt.%. In a further form, the feed additive contains one or more antioxidants, in an amount between 12 and 35 wt.%, preferably between 15 and 30 wt.%, or even between 20 and 25 wt.%. In a form, the feed additive contains one or more antioxidants,35 where at least one antioxidant is a flavonoid. 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 8 Non-limiting examples of flavonoids are flavones such as apigenin, luteolin, tangeretin, chrysin, baicalein, flavonols such as quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, fisetin, isorhamnetin, flavanones such as hesperidin, naringenin, naringin, eriodictyol, hesperetin, neohesperidin, isoflavones such as genistein, daidzein, glycitein, biochanin A, formononetin, catechins such as catechin, epicatechin, 5 epigallocatechin, epigallocatechin gallate, gallocatechin, flavonones such as pinocembrin,sakuranetine,anthocyanidinenzoalscyanidine,delphinidine,malvidine, pelargonidine,peonidine,petunidine,proanthocyanidinenzoalsprocyanidinen, prodelphinidinen,chalconenzoalsphloretine,arbutine,buteine,auronenzoals sulfuretin,leptosidine.10 Ineenuitvoeringsvormomvathetvoederadditiefminstenséénflavonoïdegekozenuit: apigenine,luteoline,tangeretine,chrysin,baicaleïne,quercetine,kaempferol, myricetine,fisetine,isorhamnetine,hesperidine,neohesperidine,naringenine, naringine,eriodictyol,hesperetine,genisteïne,daidzeïne,glyciteïne,biochanineA,15 formononetine,catechine,epicatechine,epigallocatechine,epigallocatechinegallaat, gallocatechine,flavononenzoalspinocembrine,sakuranetine,cyanidine,delphinidine, malvidine,pelargonidine,peonidine,petunidine,procyanidinen,prodelphinidinen, phloretine,arbutine,buteine,auronenzoalssulfuretin,leptosidine,ofeencombinatie daarvan.Ineenvoorkeursvormomvathetvoederadditiefminstenséénflavonoïde20 gekozenuit:neohesperidine,naringineofeencombinatiedaarvan,most preferably the feed additive contains naringine. In a formulation form the feed additive contains at least one flavonoid, with a total amount of flavonoids of at least 1 wt.%, preferably at least 5 wt.%, 25 more preferably at least 7 wt.%. In another or further form, the feed additive contains at least one flavonoid, with a total amount of flavonoids of maximum 15 wt.%, preferably maximum 12 wt.%, or preferably maximum 10 wt.%.30 In another or further form, the feed additive contains at least one flavonoid, with a total amount of flavonoids between 1 and 15 wt.%, preferably between 5 and 15 wt.%, or preferably between 5 and 12 wt.%, or even between 7 and 10 wt.%.35 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 9 In a specific form, the feed additive contains one or more antioxidants, in an amount between 15 and 30 wt.%, whereby at least one antioxidant is a flavonoid, preferably with at least one antioxidant naringine. In a further specific formulation, the feed additive comprises: 5 essential oils,in an amount between 20 and 50 wt.%, the feed additive contains at least seugenol, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde, where the feed additive decinnamaldehyde and carvacrol contain in a weight ratio between 1.4 / 1 and 2.2 / 1, and one or more antioxidants, in an amount between 15 and 30 wt.%, where at least one antioxidant is a flavonoid, preferably at least one antioxidant is naringin. In a further specific formulation, the feed additive comprises: essential oils, in an amount between 20 and 50 wt.%, the feed additive comprising at least seugenol, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde, whereby the feed additive contains cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol in a weight ratio between 1.4 / 1 and 2.2 / 1, and one or more antioxidants, in an amount between 15 and 30 wt.%, whereby at least one antioxidant is a flavonoid, preferably at least one antioxidant is naringine, with a total amount of flavonoids situated between 5 and 12 wt.%. In a formulation, the feed additive comprises naringine as a flavonoid,in an amount of at least 1 wt.%, preferably at least 2 wt.%, more preferably at least 3 wt.%. In another or further form, the feed additive contains naringine as a flavonoid, in an amount of maximum 10 wt.%, preferably maximum 8 wt.%, more preferably maximum 6 wt.%, and even more preferably maximum 5 wt.%. In another or further form, the feed additive contains naringine as a flavonoid, in an amount between 1 and 10 wt.%, preferably between 2 and 6 wt.%. In one form, the feed additive contains neohesperidine as a flavonoid, in an amount of at least 0.1 wt.%, preferably at least 0.4 wt.%. In another or further form, the feed additive contains neohesperidine as a flavonoid, in an amount of up to 10 wt.%, preferably up to 5 wt.%, preferably up to 4 wt.%. In another or further form, the 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 10 feed additive neohesperidine as a flavonoid, in an amount between 0.1 and 5 wt.%, preferably between 0,4 and 4 wt.%. In one formulation, the feed additive contains hydroxytyrosol as an antioxidant. 5 In one formulation, the feed additive contains hydroxytyrosol in an amount of at least 0.1 wt.%, preferably at least 0.5 wt.%. In another or further formulation, the feed additive contains hydroxytyrosol in an amount of up to 5 wt.%, preferably up to 2 wt.%, or preferably up to 1.5 wt.%. In another or further formulation, the feed additive contains hydroxytyrosol in an amount between 0.1 and 5 wt.%, preferably between 0.1 and 2 wt.%, or preferably between 0.5 and 2 wt.%, or even between 0.5 and 1.5 wt.%. An optimized amount of hydroxytyrosin in the feed additive significantly improves the health and performance of animals thanks to its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. It reduces toxic stress, supports the immune system, and promotes a healthy gut microbiota.which leads to more efficient nutrient uptake and better growth. Furthermore, through precision feeds and improved stability during storage, the cost-effectiveness and consistency of the additive can be maximized. In a specific formulation, the feed additive comprises: essential oils, in an amount between 20 and 50 wt.%, the feed additive comprising at least seugenol, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde, where the feed additive contains cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol in a weight ratio between 1.4 / 1 and 2.2 / 1, and one or more antioxidants, in an amount between 15 and 30 wt.%, where one or more antioxidants comprise hydroxytyrososol, preferably hydroxytyrososol in an amount between 0.1 and 5 wt.%.30 In a formulation, the feed additive comprises one or more antioxidants, where at least one antioxidant is a flavonoid, preferably comprising at least naringin,and where one or more antioxidants further comprise hydroxytyrosol.35 In a specific formulation, the feed additive comprises: 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 11 essential oils, in an amount between 20 and 50 wt.%, the feed additive comprises at least seugenol, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde, where the feed additive contains cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol in a weight ratio between 1.4 / 1 and 2.2 / 1, and one or more antioxidants, where at least one antioxidant is a flavonoid5, preferably comprising at least aringine, and where one or more antioxidants comprise hydroxytyrosol. In a further specific formulation, the feed additive comprises: essential oils, in an amount between 20 and 50 wt.%, comprising the feed additive at least seugenol, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde, whereby the feed additive cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol contain in a weight ratio between 1.4 / 1 and 2.2 / 1, and one or more antioxidants, in an amount between 15 and 30 wt.%, comprising: at least one flavonoid, comprising aringine,preferably with a total amount of flavonoids between 5 and 12 wt.%, and hydroxytyrosol, preferably with an amount of hydroxytyrosol between 0.1 and 5 wt.%. 20 In a further specific formulation, the feed additive comprises: essential oils, in an amount between 20 and 50 wt.%, the feed additive comprising at least seugenol, carvacrol and cinnamaldehyde, where the feed additive contains cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol in a weight ratio between 1.4 / 1 and 2.2 / 1, and 25 one or more antioxidants, in an amount between 15 and 30 wt.%, comprising: o and at least one flavonoid, comprising aringine, where the feed additive contains aringine in an amount between 1 and 10 wt.%, and where the total amount of flavonoids is between 30, 5 and 12 wt.%, and o hydroxytyrosoline in an amount between 0.1 and 5 wt.%. In a formulation, the feed additive comprises capsaicin. 35 In a formulation form, the feed additive contains capsaicin in an amount of at least 0.5 wt.%, preferably at least 0,6 wt.%. In another or further form, the feed additive contains capsaicin in an amount of maximum 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 12 5 wt.%, preferably maximum 4 wt.%, or even maximum 3 wt.%. In another or further form, the feed additive contains capsaicin in an amount between 0.5 and 5 wt.%, preferably between 0.5 and 4 wt.%, or preferably between 0.5 and 3 wt.%. 5 In one form, the feed additive carvacrolin contains an amount of at least 5 wt.%, preferably at least 7 wt.%, or preferably at least 8 wt.%. In another or further form, the feed additive carvacrol contains an amount of up to 20 wt.%, preferably up to 15 wt.%, or preferably up to 12 wt.%. In another or further form, the feed additive carvacrol contains an amount between 5 and 20 wt.%, preferably between 7 and 15 wt.%, or preferably between 8 and 12 wt.%. In one form, the feed additive cinnamaldehyde contains an amount of at least 10 wt.%, preferably at least 15,more preferably at least 1615 wt.%. In another or further form, the feed additive contains cinnamaldehyde in an amount of maximum 30 wt.%, preferably maximum 25 wt.%, more preferably maximum 20 wt.%. In another or further form, the feed additive contains cinnamaldehyde in an amount between 10 and 30 wt.%, preferably between 15 and 30 wt.%, more preferably between 20, 15 and 25 wt.%, even more preferably between 16 and 20 wt.%. Cinnemaldehyde has proven to be highly effective (=lowest subMIC activity) against biofilm development in E. coli (better quorum sensing inhibition). Cinnemaldehyde also ensures better glucose uptake, thus better energy efficiency.25 In one formulation, the feed additive feugenolin contains an amount of at least 1 wt.%, preferably at least 2 wt.%, or preferably at least 4 wt.%. In another or further formulation, the feed additive feugenolin contains an amount of up to 15 wt.%, preferably up to 10 wt.%,more at 30 preferably a maximum of 8 wt.%. In another or further form, the feed additive feugeno comprises an amount between 1 and 15 wt.%, preferably between 1 and 10 wt.%, more preferably between 2 and 10 wt.%, even more preferably between 4 and 10 wt.%, or even between 4 and 8 wt.%. 35 In a specific preferred form, the feed additive comprises: •carvacrol, in an amount between 7 and 15 wt.%, •cinnamaldehyde, in an amount between 15 and 25 wt.%, 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 13 •eugenol, in an amount between 1 and 10 wt.%, •hydroxytyrosol, in an amount between 0.1 and 2 wt.%, and •at least one flavonoid chosen from: neohesperidine, naringine or a combination thereof, preferably where the total amount of flavonoids is between 5 and 12 wt.%, and 5 •capsaicin, in an amount between 0.5 and 3 wt.%. In a specific preferred form, the feed additive comprises: essential oils, in an amount between 20 and 50 wt.%, comprising: 10 oeugenol, in an amount between 1 and 10 wt.%, ocarvacrol, in an amount between 7 and 15 wt.%,and cinnamaldehyde, in an amount between 15 and 25 wt.%, where the feed additive cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol contain in a weight ratio between 1.4 / 1 and 2.2 / 1, and 15 one or more antioxidants, in an amount between 15 and 30 wt.%, comprising: o at least one flavonoid, comprising o at least aringine, where the feed additive aringine contains in an amount between 1 and 10 wt.%, and where the total amount of flavonoids is between 20.5 and 12 wt.%, and ohydroxytyrosoline in an amount between 0.1 and 5 wt.%, capsaicin, in an amount between 0.5 and 3 wt.%. In a further specific preferred form, the feed additive comprises: 25 essential oils, in an amount between 20 and 50 wt.%, comprising: oeugenol, in an amount between 1 and 10 wt.%, ocarvacrol, in an amount between 7 and 15 wt.%, and ocinnamaldehyde, in an amount between 15 and 25 wt.%, 30 where the feed additive cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol contain in a weight ratio between 1.4 / 1 and 2.2 / 1,and one or more antioxidants, in an amount between 15 and 30 wt.%, comprising: o and at least one flavonoid, comprising: 35 naringine, in an amount between 1 and 10 wt.%, and nehesperidine, in an amount between 0.1 and 5 wt.%, 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 14 where the total amount of flavonoids is between 5 and 12 wt.%, and o hydroxytyrosoline in an amount between 0.1 and 5 wt.%, capsaicin, in an amount between 0.5 and 3 wt.%. 5 The feed additive provided for in this invention may be added to all commercially available feedstuffs for livestock, including, but not limited to, cereals or concentrates in pellets and premixes,concentrated mixtures of vitamins and minerals. The feed additive of the present invention may be incorporated directly into commercially available pellet feed or as an addition to commercially available feed. By direct incorporation into feed, the present invention may be added to other similar animal feeds in quantities of 10 to 500 grams per megaton of feed. Preferably, the invention is added to animal feeds in quantities of 10 to 250 grams per megaton of feed. In a particularly desired form, the feed additive is added to animal feeds in quantities of 20 to 200 grams per megaton of feed. The feed may, for example, comprise components chosen from the list of: wheat, maize, wheat bran, DDG Starch, soybean meal, rye, rapeseed, rapeseed meal, oats, barley, peas, sunflower seed meal, canola meal, sorghum,or a combination thereof.20 In a successive aspect, the invention concerns a method for the manufacture of a feed additive. In an execution form, the method comprises the steps of:25 i. preparing a bioactive component by mixing essential oils, one or more antioxidants and capsaicin as described herein; ii. mixing a matrix consisting of a fat and / or pre-gelatinized starch into a homogeneous mass; iii. adding the initial(i) prepared bioactive component to the matrix under conditions where a uniform distribution in the matrix is ​​obtained; iv. forming microparticles by means of spray drying, spray cooling or another suitable encapsulation process; v. cooling and curing of the formed microparticles to obtain a stable coating35 around the bioactive component,whereby the feed additive is obtained. 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 15 The method may further comprise the step of vi. sieving the microparticles to obtain a consistent particle size and storing them under controlled conditions. In a preferred form, the method is suitable for manufacturing a feed additive according to the first aspect. In another aspect, the invention concerns a method for manufacturing a feed additive. 10 In an execution form, the method comprises the steps of: i. preparing a bioactive component by mixing essential oils,one or more antioxidants and capsaicin as described herein; ii. mixing a matrix consisting of a fat and / or pre-gelatinized starch into a homogeneous mass;15 iii. co-extruding the initial(i) prepared bioactive components into the matrix whereby a uniform distribution in the matrix is ​​obtained; iv. forming microparticles by cutting the co-extruded composition into pellets. 20 In a preferred form, the method is suitable for the manufacture of a feed additive according to the first aspect. In successive aspect, the invention concerns a feed composition for livestock comprising a feed additive according to the first aspect of the invention in a livestock feed.25 In successive aspect, the invention concerns a use of a feed additive according to the first aspect of the invention for supporting the digestion and / or growth of livestock, such as poultry and / or pigs. 30 In a preferred form, this feed additive is dosed to the feed of monogastric animals,such as poultry and / or pigs. In a preferred form, the feed additive is dosed to animal feed in a quantity of 10 to 500 grams per megaton of animal feed, preferably of 10 to 25035 grams per megaton of animal feed, or even of 20 to 200 grams per megaton of animal feed. 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 16 In what follows, the invention is described by means of non-limiting examples that illustrate the invention and that are not intended or should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention. EXAMPLES5 Example 1 A feed additive was prepared according to a specific form of the present invention: TABLE 1 wt. % of total feed additive Essential oils 34 including Cinnamaldehyde 18 Carvacrol 10 Eugenol 6 Flavonoids 9.5 including Naringin 4 Hydroxytyrosol 1 Capsaicin 0.7 In a comparative trial with broilers, the following four groups were tested (in 10 six replicas with 22 male chicks per pen each): I. control, without the addition of a phytogenic additive II. feed additive (A), with composition as stated above III. feed additive (B), formulated as feed additive A,but without the 15 specific ratio of cinnamaldehyde and carvacrol (1:1 instead of between 1.4:1 and 2.2:1 IV. feed additive(C), formulated like feed additiveA, but without the addition of flavonoids, hydroxytyrosols and capsaicin 20 At the end of the trial (day 35), the following average slaughter weights and feed conversions were found (Table 2): TABLE 2 Group Weight (grams) Feed conversion control 235 91.49 feed additive A 240 71.45 feed additive B 231 41.46 Feed additive C 232 81.48 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909 17 It could be demonstrated that with the use of feed additive(A) in broilers, the best technical results could be achieved, in particular the highest weights and the most efficient feed conversion. In this trial, it could also be established, via the collection of cloacal samples, that the 5 chicks in the group with feed additive(A), contained the highest number of butyric acid-producing bacteria in the microbiome. This indicates better gut health and better nutrient absorption. Comparative example 210 Feed additives with a lower flavonoid content (less than 9,5 wt.%) showed no less efficient feed conversion in weaned piglets (FCR of 1.5 versus 1.47 with the additive according to an invention formulation). This suggests that the increased presence of flavonoids, such as naringin, contributes to better nutrient utilization through better protection of the intestinal barrier and a positive impact on the microflora. More specifically, an increase could be demonstrated in the relative abundance of the bacterial families Lactobacillae, Ruminococcaceae and Veillonellaceae, which are associated with good gut health. 20 Comparative example3 A feed additive without capsaicin showed a less pronounced improvement in digestive efficiency in poultry. The proportion of digested nutrients was 79% instead of 82% with the additive according to a version of the invention, which emphasizes that capsaicin plays a crucial role in stimulating metabolism, with 25 in particular an increased activity of digestive enzymes,intestinal function. Example 4 In an experimental setup, piglets were given feed containing the feed additive from Example 1. After a challenge to measuring enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), the piglets in the test group showed a significantly reduced disease picture compared to what is expected in the literature. Symptoms such as diarrhea intensity and fluid loss were strongly reduced, and the overall condition of the animals remained more stable, which indicates better intestinal health. The combination of essential oils and flavonoids, including naringin, suggests a synergistic effect in which the virulence of ETEC is suppressed, presumably by inhibiting virulence factors. This contributes to increased resistance to intestinal infections, without direct bacterial killing, and thus supports the health and performance of the animals. Comparative example 5 In a comparable experimental setup, piglets received feed containing a feed additive 5 with essential oils (cinnamaldehyde, carvacrole and eugenol) in the same ratio,but without the addition of naringine. After exposure to enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), no noticeable improvement in the clinical picture was observed. Symptoms such as diarrheal intensity and fluid loss remained present, and the general condition of the animals showed no clear stabilization.10 This result suggests that the absence of naringine limits the synergistic effect, as a result of which the flavonoid-free feed additive does not lead to a reduced clinical picture as observed in the formulation according to an implementation form of the present invention.15 2024 / 5909 BE2024 / 5909,