The role of probiotics on animal health and nutrition

BackgroundThe constant global need for food has created a demand for colossal food production. Every day the world requires more food than it is capable of growing and harvesting. Antibiotics have been used in healthy food products to promote growth and prevent disease in food-producing animals for a long time. This prolonged use of antibiotics leads to the development of resistant bacteria and the accumulation of antibiotic residue in livestock and fish. To avoid further causalities finding an effective alternative became a dire need. At present, the most suitable alternative for antibiotics is probiotics.Main bodyProbiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when consumed or applied to the body with the optimum amount. Probiotics are mainly good bacteria and yeast which fight off the pathogenic bacteria, improve the immune system, and restore the gut microbial balance. Probiotics can eliminate the harmful pathogens following several molecular mechanisms and modulate the immune response of the host animal for the well-being of the animals. This review article aims to describe probiotics as a potential growth promoter in major food sectors (poultry, ruminant, and aquaculture), how probiotics can ensure food safety without harmful effects on animals, and find out some points where more research is required to ensure a positive outcome.ConclusionThe conclusion of this review article highlights the knowledge gaps and how they can be minimized using modern molecular technologies to establish probiotic supplements as an effective alternative to antibiotics.