Background. Nutrition is one of the key factors influencing the homeostasis of the body. Bioactive and nutritional components affect metabolic processes and can improve the functioning of the immune system. Products consumed provide water, building materials and energy to cells, which are necessary for their proper functioning. As early as in ancient times, Socrates and Hippocrates drew attention to a diet as a key element related to maintaining health. Currently, there is a growing interest in functional food and the use of herbal preparations in the prevention and / or treatment of diseases. The current challenge for scientists is to search for safe dietary supplements with properties that have a beneficial effect on the immune system and production characteristics of farm animals.
Results and conclusions. One of the interesting organic compounds characterized by the above properties are polyphenols. They exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties. These compounds are secondary metabolites of plants, which are produced and secreted by them during immune defense. Small ruminants play a significant socio-economic role worldwide. They are a source of meat and milk, from which a whole range of dairy products with properties different than milk are made. Given that many functions and physicochemical processes occurring in the body of small ruminants can be an animal model for humans, the aim of the study is to analyze the current state of knowledge regarding the influence of polyphenols contained in rosemary and turmeric on production characteristics (milk yield and composition), fattening utility and meat quality, rumen parameters and the immune system of goats and sheep.