Probiotics as sustainable alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters: Mechanisms, applications, and future perspectives in livestock production
Livestock health and productivity in the post-antibiotic era
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62310/liab.v5i1.258Keywords:
Antimicrobial resistance, Antibiotic growth promoters, Dietary manipulation, Probiotics, Immunity, Sustainable livestock productionAbstract
This narrative review systematically summarizes the current knowledge about probiotics as scientifically defined alternatives to conventional antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in modern livestock farming. Globally, there is an increase in demand for AGP-free livestock due to growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. Although ample literature is available on efficacy of probiotics as AGP alternatives, there is a paucity of comprehensive data on strain-specific modes of action, effective dose regimens, and standardized application protocols across wide variety of livestock species. Probiotics exert complex antimicrobial mechanisms, including direct pathogen antagonism, gut microbiome modulation, intestinal barrier enhancement, immune system stimulation, and metabolic optimisation. In ruminants, poultry, pig, and rabbits, the application of probiotics has repeatedly shown improved growth performance, increased resistance to disease, better breeding performance and so on. Most of the literature available shows positive results on rumen fermentation, caecal microbiota composition, nutrient digestibility, and immunological responses. Nonetheless, knowledge gaps remain in the areas of interaction with the environment, production standardisation, and long-term effects of sustainability. Sustainability elements include less development of antimicrobial resistance, reduced environmental impact due to more efficient resource use, and improved economic viability. However, variations in strain-specific probiotic efficacy, environment-dependent outcomes of probiotic applications, and lack of production standardisation remain the challenges. Emerging innovations, such as postbiotics, precision livestock farming integration using AI, Internet of Things, and multi-strain synbiotic formulations offer promising solutions. This review summarises opportunities and challenges associated with probiotic use in livestock production systems and underscores their potential to revolutionise sustainable animal agriculture, as well as deal with serious public health concern of antimicrobial resistance.
Metrics
References
Abd El-Hack ME, Noreldin AE, Mahgoub SA, Arif M. (2018). Ways to minimize nitrogen emissions in agricultural farms. In: Negm A, Abu-hashim M, editors, Sustainability of Agricultural Environment in Egypt: Part II. The handbook of environmental chemistry. Volume 77, Springer, Cham. Pp. 357-368. https://doi.org/10.1007/698_2018_293
Al-Khalaifa H, Al-Nasser A, Al-Surayee T, Al-Kandari S, Al-Enzi N, Al-Sharrah T, Ragheb G, Al-Qalaf S, Mohammed A. (2019). Effect of dietary probiotics and prebiotics on the performance of broiler chickens. Poultry Science 98(10): 4465-4479. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pez282
Almansour AM, Alhadlaq MA, Alzahrani KO, Mukhtar LE, Alharbi AL, Alajel SM. (2023). The silent threat: Antimicrobial-resistant pathogens in food-producing animals and their impact on public health. Microorganisms 11(9): 2127. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11092127
Almeida JG, Lorinquer E, Robin P, Ribeiro-Filho HM, Edouard N. (2022). Ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions from dairy cows on straw-based litter systems. Atmosphere 13(2): 283. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos13020283
Anee IJ, Alam S, Begum RA, Shahjahan RM, Khandaker AM. (2021). The role of probiotics on animal health and nutrition. The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology 82: 52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41936-021-00250-x
Asar R, Erenler S, Devecioglu D, Ispirli H, Karbancioglu-Guler F, Ozturk HI, Dertli E. (2025). Understanding the Functionality of Probiotics on the Edge of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Era. Fermentation 11(5): 259. https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation11050259
Ayana GU, Kamutambuko R. (2024). Probiotics in disease management for sustainable poultry production. Advanced Gut & Microbiome Research 4326438. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/4326438
Ayyat MS, Al-Sagheer AA, Abd El-Latif KM, Khalil BA. (2018). Organic selenium, probiotics, and prebiotics effects on growth, blood biochemistry, and carcass traits of growing rabbits during summer and winter seasons. Biological Trace Element Research 186: 162–173. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-018-1293-2
Aziz M, Hemeda SA, Albadrani GM, Fadl SE, Elgendey F. (2023). Ameliorating effect of probiotic on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and lipolytic gene expression in rabbits. Scientific Reports 13(1): 6312. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-32584-7
Azzaz HH, Kholif AE, Murad HA, Vargas-Bello-Pérez E. (2022). A newly developed strain of Enterococcus faecium isolated from fresh dairy products to be used as a probiotic in lactating Holstein cows. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 9: 989606. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.989606
Baksi S, Chauhan P, Rao N, Chauhan A. (2019). Effect of lysozymes, antibiotics and probiotics on growth performance and biochemical parameters in broiler chickens. International Journal of Livestock Research 9: 74–78. https://doi.org/10.5455/ijlr.20190626100638
Bava R, Castagna F, Lupia C, Poerio G, Liguori G, Lombardi R, Naturale MD, Mercuri C, Bulotta RM, Britti D, Palma E. (2024). Antimicrobial resistance in livestock: A serious threat to public health. Antibiotics 13(6): 551. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13060551
Beber CL, Aragrande M, Canali M. (2025). Policies and strategies to control antimicrobial resistance in livestock production: A comparative analysis of national action plans in European Union Member States. Health Policy 152: 105238. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.healthpol.2024.105238
Castillo Zuniga J, Fresno Rueda AM, Samuel RS, St-Pierre B, Levesque CL. (2024). Impact of Lactobacillus- and Bifidobacterium-based direct-fed microbials on the performance, intestinal morphology, and fecal bacterial populations of nursery pigs. Microorganisms 12(9): 1786. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12091786
Chakravarty K, Gaur S, Kumar R, Jha NK, Gupta PK. (2025). Exploring the multifaceted therapeutic potential of probiotics: A review of current insights and applications. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins 17(1): 341–363. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-024-10328-x
Chiu CW, Tsai PJ, Lee CC, Ko WC, Hung YP. (2021). Application of microbiome management in therapy for Clostridioides difficile infections: from fecal microbiota transplantation to probiotics to microbiota-preserving antimicrobial agents. Pathogens 10(6): 649. https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens10060649
Cunha S, Mendes Â, Rego D, Meireles D, Fernandes R, Carvalho A, Martins da Costa P. (2017). Effect of competitive exclusion in rabbits using an autochthonous probiotic. World Rabbit Science 25(2): 123–134. https://doi.org/10.4995/wrs.2017.4533
D’Urso F, Broccolo F. (2024). Applications of artificial intelligence in microbiome analysis and probiotic interventions-An overview and perspective based on the current state of the art. Applied Sciences 14(19): 8627. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14198627
Devyatkin V, Mishurov A, Kolodina E. (2021). Probiotic effect of Bacillus subtilis B-2998D, B-3057D, and Bacillus licheniformis B-2999D complex on sheep and lambs. Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research 8(1): 146. https://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2021.h497
Dimova N, Laleva S, Slavova P, Popova Y, Mihaylova M, Pacinovski N (2017). Effect of probiotic" ZOOVIT" on productivity of rabbits. Macedonian Journal of Animal Science 7(1–2): 123–127. https://doi.org/10.54865/mjas1771-2123d
Dong A, Ding X, Wang J, Zeng Q, Bai S, Liu Y, Xuan Y, Li S, Mu Y, Peng H, Zhang K. (2025). Dietary Pediococcus acidilactici improves the intestinal functions by regulating the expression of intestinal inflammatory genes and intestinal microbiota in aged laying hens at 80–91 weeks of age. Frontiers in Microbiology 16: 1530319. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1530319
Dowarah R, Verma AK, Agarwal N, Patel BHM, Singh P. (2017). Effect of swine-based probiotic on performance, diarrhoea scores, intestinal microbiota and gut health of grower-finisher crossbred pigs. Livestock Science 195: 74–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.livsci.2016.11.006
Dowarah R, Verma AK, Agarwal N, Singh P, Singh BR. (2018). Selection and characterization of probiotic lactic acid bacteria and its impact on growth, nutrient digestibility, health and antioxidant status in weaned piglets. PLoS One 13(3): e0192978. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0192978
Du H, Yao W, Kulyar MF, Ding Y, Zhu H, Pan H, Li K, Bhutta ZA, Liu S, Li J (2022). Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens TL106 isolated from Tibetan pigs on probiotic potential and intestinal microbes in weaned piglets. Microbiology Spectrum 10(1): e01205-21. https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.01205-21
El-Deep MH, Amber KA, Elgendy S, Dawood MA, Elwakeel EM, Paray BA. (2020). Oxidative stress, hemato-immunological, and intestinal morphometry changes induced by ochratoxin A in APRI rabbits and the protective role of probiotics. Environmental Science and Pollution Research 27: 35439–35448. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-020-09837-3
El-Sayed AA, Sallam AM, Abou-Soliman I. (2024). Metabolic profile and gene expression pattern of cytokines and antioxidants markers during different physiological stages in Barki ewes. BMC Veterinary Research 20(1): 206. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-04018-7
Ezema C, Eze DC. (2015). Growth performance and cost benefit of weaner rabbits fed diet supplemented with probiotic in the tropics. Pakistan Journal of Nutrition 14(1): 47–49. https://doi.org/10.3923/pjn.2015.47.49
Fathi M, Abdelsalam M, Al-Homidan I, Ebeid T, El-Zarei M, Abou-Emera O. (2017). Effect of probiotic supplementation and genotype on growth performance, carcass traits, hematological parameters and immunity of growing rabbits under hot environmental conditions. Animal Science Journal 88(10): 1644–1650. https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.12811
Fathima S, Shanmugasundaram R, Adams D, Selvaraj RK. (2022). Gastrointestinal microbiota and their manipulation for improved growth and performance in chickens. Foods 11(10): 1401. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11101401
Fenster K, Freeburg B, Hollard C, Wong C, Rønhave Laursen R, Ouwehand AC. (2019). The production and delivery of probiotics: a review of a practical approach. Microorganisms 7(3): 83. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms7030083
Gao Y, Wei W, Tian F, Li J, Wang Y, Qi J, Xue S. (2022). Corn straw total mix dietary supplementation of Bacillus subtilis enhanced growth performance of lambs by favorably modulating rumen bacterial microbiome. Fermentation 9(1): 32. https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9010032
Giang HH, Viet TQ, Ogle B, Lindberg JE. (2011). Effects of supplementation of probiotics on the performance, nutrient digestibility and faecal microflora in growing-finishing pigs. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 24(5): 655–661. https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.2011.10238
González F, Cervantes M, Morales A, Valle JA, Camacho RL, ngélica Morales-Becerra A, Bernal H, aría Mendoza SM, Htoo JK. (2024). Effect of supplementing a Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic on performance, intestinal integrity, and serum antioxidant capacity and metabolites concentrations of heat-stressed growing pigs. Journal of Animal Science 1: 102. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skae012
Grumet L, Tromp Y, Stiegelbauer V. (2020). The development of high-quality multispecies probiotic formulations: from bench to market. Nutrients 12(8): 2453. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12082453
Guo S, Xi Y, Xia Y, Wu T, Zhao D, Zhang Z, Ding B. (2021). Dietary Lactobacillus fermentum and Bacillus coagulans supplementation modulates intestinal immunity and microbiota of broiler chickens challenged by Clostridium perfringens. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 8: 680742. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2021.680742
Halachmi I, Guarino M, Bewley J, Pastell M. (2019). Smart animal agriculture: Application of real-time sensors to improve animal well-being and production. Annual Review of Animal Biosciences 7(1): 403–425. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-animal-020518-114851
Hati S, Ramanuj K, Basaiawmoit B, Koringa P, Desai M, Ghodasara DJ, Joshi KV, Pathan M, V S, Bhagora NJ, Savaliya FP. (2023). Significance of Limosilactobacillus fermentum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the Growth Performance, Haematological Traits, Serum Biochemistry, Faecal and Caeca Microbiota of Broiler Chickens. Journal of the American Nutrition Association 42(7): 706-725. https://doi.org/10.1080/27697061.2022.2149634
Herich R, Szabóová R, Karaffová V, Racines MP, Šefcová MA, Larrea-Álvarez M. (2025). A narrative review on the impact of probiotic supplementation on muscle development, metabolic regulation, and fiber traits related to meat quality in broiler chickens. Microorganisms 13(4): 784. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13040784
Hoepers PG, Nunes PLF, Almeida-Souza HO, Martins MM, de Oliveira Carvalho RD, Dreyer CT, Fonseca BB. (2024). Harnessing probiotics capability to combat Salmonella Heidelberg and improve intestinal health in broilers. Poultry Science 103(7): 103739. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.103739
Hosseinzadeh M, Tajabadi‐Ebrahimi M, Tukmechi A, Najafi G. (2025). Enhancing Immune Modulation, Growth Performance and Gut Health in Broiler Chickens Through Combined Pediococcus acidilactici Supplementation and Influenza Vaccination. Veterinary Medicine and Science 11(6): e70602. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.70602
Ibeagha-Awemu EM, Omonijo FA, Piché L, Vincent AT. (2025). Alternatives to antibiotics for sustainable livestock production in the context of the One-Health-Approach: Tackling a common foe. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 12: 1605215. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2025.1605215
Iddir M, Brito A, Dingeo G, Fernandez Del Campo SS, Samouda H, La Frano MR, Bohn T. (2020). Strengthening the immune system and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress through diet and nutrition: Considerations during the COVID-19 crisis. Nutrients 12(6): 1562. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12061562
Idowu PA, Idowu AP, Zishiri OT, Mpofu TJ, Veldhuizen EJ, Nephawe KA, Mtileni B. (2021). Activity of mannose-binding lectin on bacterial-infected chickens—a review. Animals 11(3): 787. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030787
Idowu PA, Mpofu TJ, Magoro AM, Modiba MC, Nephawe KA, Mtileni B. (2025). Impact of probiotics on chicken gut microbiota, immunity, behavior, and productive performance—a systematic review. Frontiers in Animal Science 6: 1562527. https://doi.org/10.3389/fanim.2025.1562527
Jazi V, Foroozandeh AD, Toghyani M, Dastar B, Koochaksaraie RR. (2018). Effects of Pediococcus acidilactici, mannan-oligosaccharide, butyric acid and their combination on growth performance and intestinal health in young broiler chickens challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium. Poultry science 97(6): 2034-2043. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pey035
Kadja L, Dib AL, Lakhdara N, Bouaziz A, Espigares E, Gagaoua M. (2021). Influence of three probiotic strains Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BB-12 and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 on the biochemical and hematological profiles and body weight of healthy rabbits. Biology 10(11): 1194. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10111194
Kaur D, Virk AK. (2024). Leveraging IoT for precision health monitoring in livestock with artificial intelligence. In: Bukhari SNH, editor, Data-driven farming. Auerbach Publications, New York, USA. Pp. 1–18.
Kim S, Cho J, Keum GB, Kwak J, Doo H, Choi Y, Kim HB. (2024). Investigation of the impact of multi-strain probiotics containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae on porcine production. Journal of Animal Science and Technology 66(5): 876-890. https://doi.org/10.5187/jast.2024.e79
Kober AH, Riaz Rajoka MS, Mehwish HM, Villena J, Kitazawa H. (2022). Immunomodulation potential of probiotics: A novel strategy for improving livestock health, immunity, and productivity. Microorganisms 10(2): 388. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10020388
Kouhounde S, Adéoti K, Mounir M, Giusti A, Refinetti P, Otu A, Razafindralambo HL. (2022). Applications of probiotic-based multi-components to human, animal and ecosystem health: Concepts, methodologies, and action mechanisms. Microorganisms 10(9): 1700. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10091700
Krysiak K, Konkol D, Korczyński M. (2021). Overview of the use of probiotics in poultry production. Animals 11(6): 1620. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061620
Kurchaeva EE, Vostroilov AV, Artemov ES, Maksimov IV. (2019). Improvement of rabbit productivity using probiotics and herbal supplements. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 341(1): 012051. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/341/1/012051
Kwak MJ, Tan PL, Oh JK, Chae KS, Kim J, Kim SH, Eun JS, Chee SW, Kang DK, Kim SH, Whang KY (2021). The effects of multispecies probiotic formulations on growth performance, hepatic metabolism, intestinal integrity and fecal microbiota in growing-finishing pigs. Animal Feed Science and Technology 274: 114833. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2021.114833
Kwoji ID, Aiyegoro OA, Okpeku M, Adeleke MA. (2021). Multi-strain probiotics: Synergy among isolates enhances biological activities. Biology 10(4): 322. https://doi.org/10.3390/biology10040322
Lee TY, Lee YS, Wu CP, Weng BC, Chen KL. (2025). Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CU33 Fermented Product Improves Growth Performance, Diarrhea, and Immunity of Goat Kids. Animals 15(9): 1324. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15091324
Lee TY, Lee YS, Yeh RH, Chen KH, Chen KL. (2022). Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CU33 fermented feather meal–soybean meal product improves the intestinal morphology to promote the growth performance of broilers. Poultry Science 101(9): 102027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2022.102027
Leistikow KR, Beattie RE, Hristova KR. (2022). Probiotics beyond the farm: Benefits, costs, and considerations of using antibiotic alternatives in livestock. Frontiers in Antibiotics 1: 1003912. https://doi.org/10.3389/frabi.2022.1003912
Liu L, Wang P, Liu S, Yan M, Zhang Q, Clark E, Wang J. (2025). Meta-analyses of the global impact of non-antibiotic feed additives on livestock performance and health. Journal of Advanced Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2025.03.009 (In press).
Liu Y, Wang J, Wu C. (2022). Modulation of gut microbiota and immune system by probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics. Frontiers in Nutrition 8: 634897. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.634897
Lokapirnasari WP, Dewi AR, Fathinah A, Hidanah S, Harijani N, Karimah B, Andriani AD. (2017). Effect of probiotic supplementation on organic feed to alternative antibiotic growth promoter on production performance and economics analysis of quail. Veterinary World 10(12): 1508-1514. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2017.1508-1514
Manafi M, Khalaji S, Hedayati M. (2016). Assessment of a probiotic containing Bacillus subtilis on the performance and gut health of laying Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica). Revista Brasileira de Ciência Avícola 18(04): 599-606. https://doi.org/10.1590/1806-9061-2016-0220
Mansilla FI, Ficoseco CA, Miranda MH, Puglisi E, Nader-Macías MEF, Vignolo GM, Fontana CA. (2022). Administration of probiotic lactic acid bacteria to modulate fecal microbiome in feedlot cattle. Scientific Reports 12(1): 12957. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-16786-z
Mao H, Ji W, Yun Y, Zhang Y, Li Z, Wang C. (2023). Influence of probiotic supplementation on the growth performance, plasma variables, and ruminal bacterial community of growth-retarded lamb. Frontiers in Microbiology 14: 1216534. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1216534
Markowiak P, Ślizewska K. (2018). The role of probiotics, prebiotics and synbiotics in animal nutrition. Gut Pathogens 10: 21. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13099-018-0250-0
Mârza SM, Munteanu C, Papuc I, Radu L, Purdoiu RC. (2025). The role of probiotics in enhancing animal health: mechanisms, benefits, and applications in livestock and companion animals. Animals 15(20): 2986. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15202986
Mazanko MS, Popov IV, Prazdnova EV, Refeld AG, Bren AB, Zelenkova GA, Chistyakov VA, Algburi A, Weeks RM, Ermakov AM, Chikindas ML. (2022). Beneficial effects of spore-forming Bacillus probiotic bacteria isolated from poultry microbiota on broilers' health, growth performance, and immune system. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 9: 877360. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.877360
Mazur-Kuśnirek M, Lipiński K, Jørgensen JN, Hansen LH, Antoszkiewicz Z, Zabielski R, Konieczka P. (2023). The effect of a Bacillus-based probiotic on sow and piglet performance in two production cycles. Animals 13(20): 3163. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203163
Mohamed SI, Shehata SA, Bassiony SM, Mahgoub SA, Abd El-Hack ME. (2023). Does the use of different types of probiotics possess detoxification properties against aflatoxins contamination in rabbit diets? Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins 15(5): 1382–1392. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-022-09990-w
Montazeri-Najafabady N. (2025). From One-Size-Fits-All to Precision Medicine: The promise of personalized probiotics. Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins 29: 1-34. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12602-025-10815-9
Mourand G, Paboeuf F, Fleury MA, Jouy E, Bougeard S, Denamur E, Kempf I. (2017). Escherichia coli probiotic strain ED1a in pigs has a limited impact on the gut carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing E. coli. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 61(1): e01293–16. https://doi.org/10.1128/aac.01293-16
Park SO, Seo KH. (2023). Digital livestock systems and probiotic mixtures can improve the growth performance of swine by enhancing immune function, cecal bacteria, short-chain fatty acid, and nutrient digestibility. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 10: 1126064. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1126064
Parois S, Calandreau L, Kraimi N, Gabriel I, Leterrier C. (2017). The influence of a probiotic supplementation on memory in quail suggests a role of gut microbiota on cognitive abilities in birds. Behavioural Brain Research 331: 47-53. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbr.2017.05.022
Parvin T, Sadras SR. (2024). Advanced probiotics: bioengineering and their therapeutic application. Molecular Biology Reports 51(1): 361. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-024-09309-8
Peng Q, Zeng XF, Zhu JL, Wang S, Liu XT, Hou CL, Thacker PA, Qiao SY. (2016). Effects of dietary Lactobacillus plantarum B1 on growth performance, intestinal microbiota, and short chain fatty acid profiles in broiler chickens. Poultry Science 95(4): 893–900. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps/pev435
Phuoc TL, Jamikorn U. (2016). Effects of probiotic supplement (Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus acidophilus) on feed efficiency, growth performance, and microbial population of weaning rabbits. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 30(2): 198–205. https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.15.0823
Pupa P, Apiwatsiri P, Sirichokchatchawan W, Pirarat N, Maison T, Koontanatechanon A, Prapasarakul N. (2021). Use of Lactobacillus plantarum (strains 22F and 25F) and Pediococcus acidilactici (strain 72N) as replacements for antibiotic-growth promotants in pigs. Scientific Reports 11(1): 12028. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-91427-5
Rashidinejad A, Bahrami A, Rehman A, Rezaei A, Babazadeh A, Singh H, Jafari SM. (2022). Co-encapsulation of probiotics with prebiotics and their application in functional/synbiotic dairy products. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition 62(9): 2470–2494. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2020.1854169
Refaie AM, Mohamed MS, El-Azayem EHA, Mohamed SH. (2022). Productive performance of doe rabbits to dietary supplementation of Aspergillus awamori. Advances in Animal and Veterinary Sciences 10(5): 1023–1030. https://doi.org/10.17582/journal.aavs/2022/10.5.1023.1030
Reuben RC, Sarkar SL, Roy PC, Anwar A, Hossain MA, Jahid IK. (2021). Prebiotics, probiotics and postbiotics for sustainable poultry production. World's Poultry Science Journal 77(4): 825-882. https://doi.org/10.1080/00439339.2021.1960234
Rodrigues G, Maximiano MR, Franco OL. (2021). Antimicrobial peptides used as growth promoters in livestock production. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 105(19): 7115-7121. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-021-11540-3
Rodríguez SP, Herrera AL, Parra JE. (2023). Gene expression of pro-inflammatory (IL-8, IL-18, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in the duodenum of broiler chickens exposed to lipopolysaccharides from Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Veterinary World 16(3): 564-570. https://doi.org/10.14202/vetworld.2023.564-570
Ronquillo MG, Hernandez JCA. (2017). Antibiotic and synthetic growth promoters in animal diets: Review of impact and analytical methods. Food Control 72: 255–267. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2016.03.001
Rybarczyk A, Bogusławska-Wąs E, Pilarczyk B. (2021). Carcass and pork quality and gut environment of pigs fed a diet supplemented with the Bokashi probiotic. Animals 11(12): 3590. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123590
Rybarczyk A, Romanowski M, Karamucki T, Ligocki M. (2016). The effect of Bokashi probiotic on pig carcass characteristics and meat quality. FleischWirtschaft International 31(1): 74–77.
Sachdeva A, Tomar T, Malik T, Bains A, Karnwal A. (2025). Exploring probiotics as a sustainable alternative to antimicrobial growth promoters: Mechanisms and benefits in animal health. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems 8: 1523678. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2024.1523678
Salah N, Legendre H, Paiva E, Duclos J, Briche M, Maaoui M, Scholten J, Garat Boute C. (2024). Quantification of the environmental impact of feeding yeast probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae Actisaf Sc 47 in dairy cow: A life cycle assessment approach. Animals 14(15): 2202. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14152202
Shehata AA, Yalçın S, Latorre JD, Basiouni S, Attia YA, Abd El-Wahab A, Visscher C, El-Seedi HR, Huber C, Hafez HM, Eisenreich W. (2022). Probiotics, prebiotics, and phytogenic substances for optimizing gut health in poultry. Microorganisms 10(2): 395. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10020395
Shen XM, Cui HX, Xu XR. (2019). Orally administered Lactobacillus casei exhibited several probiotic properties in artificially suckling rabbits. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 33(8): 1352–1360. https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.18.0973
Shini S, Bryden WL. (2021). Probiotics and gut health: Linking gut homeostasis and poultry productivity. Animal Production Science 62(12): 1090–1112. https://doi.org/10.1071/AN20701
Soomro RN, Abd El‐Hack ME, Shah SS, Taha AE, Alagawany M, Swelum AA, Hussein EO, Ba‐Aawdh HA, Saadeldin I, El‐Edel MA, Tufarelli V. (2019). Impact of restricting feed and probiotic supplementation on growth performance, mortality and carcass traits of meat‐type quails. Animal Science Journal 90(10): 1388-1395. https://doi.org/10.1111/asj.13290
Soren S, Mandal GP, Mondal S, Pradhan S, Mukherjee J, Banerjee D, Pakhira MC, Amla, Mondal A, Nsereko V, Samanta I. (2024). Efficacy of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product and probiotic supplementation on growth performance, gut microflora and immunity of broiler chickens. Animals 14(6): 866. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14060866
Tang J, Zhao M, Yang W, Chen H, Dong Y, He Q, Miao X, Zhang J. (2024). Effect of composite probiotics on antioxidant capacity, gut barrier functions, and fecal microbiome of weaned piglets and sows. Animals 14(9): 1359. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14091359
Terpou A, Papadaki A, Lappa IK, Kachrimanidou V, Bosnea LA, Kopsahelis N. (2019). Probiotics in food systems: Significance and emerging strategies towards improved viability and delivery of enhanced beneficial value. Nutrients 11(7): 1591. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11071591
Tufarelli V, Losacco C, Pugliese G, Tateo A, Schiavitto M, Iarussi F, Passantino L. (2025). Effects of a multi-strain probiotic on productive traits, antioxidant defence, caecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acid profile, and intestinal histomorphology in rabbits. Animal Bioscience 38(6): 1247–1259. https://doi.org/10.5713/ab.24.0716
Tun HM, Li S, Yoon I, Meale SJ, Azevedo PA, Khafipour E, Plaizier JC. (2020). Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) stabilize the ruminal microbiota of lactating dairy cows during periods of a depressed rumen pH. BMC Veterinary Research 16(1): 237. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-020-02437-w
Wang B, Zhou Y, Mao Y, Gong L, Li X, Xu S, Li W. (2021). Dietary supplementation with Lactobacillus plantarum ameliorates compromise of growth performance by modulating short-chain fatty acids and intestinal dysbiosis in broilers under Clostridium perfringens challenge. Frontiers in Nutrition 8: 706148. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.706148
Wang H, Sun Y, Ma X, Yang T, Wang F. (2024). The Lactobacillus plantarum P-8 probiotic microcapsule prevents DSS-induced colitis through improving intestinal integrity and reducing colonic inflammation in mice. Nutrients 16(7): 1055. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16071055
Wang J, Yu X, Zhang Y, Yang Y, Sun Y, Zhang Y. (2025). Effects of Clostridium butyricum on Growth Performance, Health Status, and Metabolic Response of Pre-Weaning Angus Calves. Animals 15(16): 2332. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15162332
Wang P, Li X, Zhu Y, Wei J, Zhang C, Kong Q, Nie X, Zhang Q, Wang Z. (2022). Genome-wide association analysis of milk production, somatic cell score, and body conformation traits in Holstein cows. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 9: 932034. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2022.932034
Williams SRO, Jacobs JL, Chandra S, Soust M, Russo VM, Douglas ML, Hess PSA. (2023). The effect of direct-fed Lactobacillus species on milk production and methane emissions of dairy cows. Animals 13(6): 1018. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13061018
Youssef IM, Elsherbeni AI, Almuraee AA, Nass NM, Beyari EA, Alshammarii NM, Abdel-Ghany AM, Ahmed ES, Nasr S, Youssef KM, Salem HM, Abd El-Hack ME, Saber HS. (2024). Influence of using synbiotics by various routes on Mandarah male chicks: intestinal bacterial counts, gut morphology and histological status. Poultry Science 103(5): 103601. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.103601
Zhang N, Jin M, Wang K, Zhang Z, Shah NP, Wei H. (2022). Functional oligosaccharide fermentation in the gut: Improving intestinal health and its determinant factors—A review. Carbohydrate Polymers 284: 119043. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2021.119043
Zhang N, Wang L, Wei Y. (2020). Effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens and Bacillus pumilus on rumen and intestine morphology and microbiota in weanling Jintang black goat. Animals 10(9): 1604. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10091604
Zhang Y, Liu Y, Jiao S, Wang Y, Sa R, Zhao F, Xie J. (2024). Short-term supplementation with uncoated and encapsulated Enterococcus faecium affected growth performance, gut microbiome and intestinal barrier integrity in broiler chickens. Poultry Science 103(7): 103808. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2024.103808
Zhao J, Xie Z, Zheng M, Tang W, Diao H, Yin H. (2024a). Dietary complex probiotic supplementation changed the composition of intestinal short-chain fatty acids and improved the average daily gain of weaned piglets. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 11: 1424855. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1424855
Zhao X, Liu S, Li S, Jiang W, Wang J, Xiao J, Cao Z. (2024b). Unlocking the power of postbiotics: A revolutionary approach to nutrition for humans and animals. Cell Metabolism 36(4): 725–744. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2024.03.004
Zhu C, Yao J, Zhu M, Zhu C, Yuan L,Li Z, Cai D, Chen S, Hu P, Liu H-Y. (2022) A meta-analysis of Lactobacillus-based probiotics for growth performance and intestinal morphology in piglets. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 9: 1045965. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvet.2022.1045965
Zhu W, Wei Z, Xu N, Yang F, Yoon I, Chung Y, Liu J, Wang J. (2017). Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products on performance and rumen fermentation and microbiota in dairy cows fed a diet containing low quality forage. Journal of Animal Science and Biotechnology 8(1): 36. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40104-017-0167-3
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Peter Ayodeji Idowu , Lwando Mbambalala, Adeola Patience Idowu
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Accepted 2025-11-19
Published 2025-11-21
