Probiotics: Alternative to Antibiotics in Poultry Production

Abstract

Poultry production is facing severe losses due to the development of resistance against most of the available antimicrobials in treating various diseases. Moreover, social stigma against the use of antibiotics is also there. As, the welfare of animals, the environment, food safety and hygiene are also important factors. Something is needed that would meet all these stigmas and still be able to provide the best growth, immunity against diseases, peak production, disease treatment and reduce economic pressure. In the recent era, the use of biological products to replace synthetic products is highly recommended i.e., probiotics. Probiotics provide all the necessary activity needed to enhance the production and performance of poultry. Moreover, probiotics meet all the food safety and eco-friendly parameters. Probiotics enhance the gut flora, improve immunity, increase the activity of digestive enzymes by decreasing the production of ammonia, bind with enterotoxins & neutralizing them and as a result improve feed intake which directly affects the performance and production of the poultry. The purpose of this article is to review the performance of probiotics as a better alternative to antibiotics in the production of poultry.