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.
