Curcumin or microencapsulated phytogenic blend to replace ionophore and non-ionophore antibiotics in weaned calves: Effects on growth performance and health

•The inclusion of microencapsulated phytogenic containing carvacrol, cinnamaldehyde, and thymol may be a positive alternative to replace ionophores in the diet of calves.•The curcumin dose of 100 mg/calf/day in isolation did not show similar effectiveness to ionophores on zootechnical parameters.•The two additives (microencapsulated phytogenic and curcumin) modulated the serum inflammatory, immune and antioxidant response.