Abstract
Simple SummaryProbiotics are feed additives that have gained popularity in poultry production following the ban of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP). They are one of the more universal feed additives and can be easily combine with other additives. Probiotics, above all, have many advantages, including stimulation of the host microflora or immunomodulation. The statement “immunity comes from the intestines” has become more important in the poultry industry because probiotics have proven helpful in the fight against diseases of bacterial origin and against zoonoses. Positive effects on the organism have already been studied at the cellular level, where probiotics were responsible for changes in gene expression, leading to alleviation of heat stress. In addition to the health benefits, the utility value of the animals increases. The numerous advantages are overshadowed by a few drawbacks, which include the possibility of lowering semen quality in roosters and the diversity of production processes affecting the persistence of the probiotic. In addition to bird health, probiotics have improved the taste and quality of poultry products. Future prospects are promising as scientists are working to maximize the positive effects of probiotics by increasing the integrity of probiotics within the bird organism, taking into account, among others, bacterial metabolites.In recent years, probiotics have become more popular in the world of dietary supplements and feed additives within the poultry industry, acting as antibiotic substitutes. Above all, probiotics are universal feed additives that can be used in conjunction with other additives to promote improved performance and health. Their positive effects can be observed directly in the gastrointestinal tract and indirectly in immunomodulation of the poultry immune system. Nutritional effects seen in flocks given probiotics include increased laying and egg quality, increased daily increments, and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). There has also been an improvement in the quality of meat. This suggests producers can improve production results through the use of probiotics. In addition to these production effects, bird immunity is improved by allowing the organism to better protect itself against pathogens and stress. The lack of accuracy in the formulation of non-European preparations needs to be further developed due to unknown interactions between probiotic bacteria strains as well as their metabolites. The versatility of probiotics and the fact that the bacteria used in their production are an integral part of animal digestive tracts make them a safe feed additives. Despite restrictions from the European Union, probiotics have potential to improve production and health within the poultry industry and beyond. The following article will review the use of probiotics in poultry production.
Highlights
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) definition, probiotics are “living microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confer a health benefit on the host” [1]
Khempaka et al [63] suggested that excessively high levels of this feed additive may contribute to reduced digestibility and growth performance in chickens, and the conclusions of their study showed the most beneficial level of chitin to be below 2.8%
This review on using probiotics as feed additives confirms that they are worthy successors to AGP, reproducing their positive effects on the raw material obtained. Meat parameters, such as cholesterol, fatty acid profile, and oxidative stability of the meat are all improved by the addition of probiotics
Summary
World Health Organization (WHO) definition, probiotics are “living microorganisms which when administered in adequate amount confer a health benefit on the host” [1]. Forecasts indicate that the size of the human population will be around 9.3 billion in 2050 It means that agricultural production and consumption will be 60% higher than today [4]. Prophylactic use of probiotics occurs through antagonistic actions on other microorganisms and in competition for adhesion receptors or nutrients needed for their survival and some mechanisms like intestinal epithelial function and status. They affect animal health as well as production performance, which will be developed later [16]. In 2020, the value of the market was USD 46.55 billion [11]
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