The Application of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Poultry Production and Impacts on Environment: A Review

The Application of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Poultry Production and Impacts on Environment: A Review: Comparison

Please note this is a comparison between Version 2 by Vivi Li and Version 1 by Lilong Chai.

As a consequence of the European Union introducing the prohibition of supplying antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in diets in 2006, antibiotic alternatives for poultry feed have become one of the most central issues. In general, probiotics and prebiotics are highly effective additives that improve host health and prevent pathogen colonization by modulating immune functions, altering the intestinal microecology, and enhancing digestion. However, the specific situations in which probiotics or prebiotics should be used still require further research. In addition, the advanced applications of probiotics and prebiotics, such as in ovo injection, also need to be investigated to improve the host performance. In the following review, we summarize various probiotic and prebiotic supplementation methods and compare the specific conditions for their use to improve poultry production management.

probiotics
prebiotics
application
poultry
air quality

Introduction

Contemporary poultry production is established under daily diets and disease prevention. Antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) have been added in diets to improve the host health and poultry product revenue, but the consequence of the usage of AGPs without limits is undesirable, leading to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and health issues. Antimicrobial-resistant poultry pathogens can lead to treatment failure, resulting in economic losses, and pose a risk to human health by serving as a source of resistant bacteria and genes, including zoonotic bacteria. Recognizing these risks, the European Union (EU) implemented a historic ban on AGPs in animal diets in 2006. This regulation prohibited the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in livestock feed, aiming to combat AMR and protect public health. While the ban marked a significant milestone, it also created challenges for the poultry industry, which had to adapt to maintain production efficiency and disease control without relying on AGPs ^[1].

Without the usage of AGPs, unwanted intestinal diseases occur, which increases the avian fatality rate ^[2]. Pathogenic bacteria, such as those causing salmonellosis, also affect humans. Therefore, replacing antibiotics with substances that can improve the production performance and health without causing drug resistance has become a key focus in poultry nutrition research. Additionally, consumers have urged suppliers to replace AGPs with other natural substances [3,4]^[3][4]. This consideration finally leads to probiotics and prebiotics.

Probiotics and prebiotics alter the intestinal microbiota and immune system, reducing pathogen colonization under certain conditions. Similar to growth-promoting antibiotics, the efficacy of prebiotics and probiotics is influenced by environmental and stress factors. These products show promise as alternatives to antibiotics, especially as the pressure to eliminate the use of growth-promoting antibiotics increases.

The aim of this review is to present the usage and mechanisms of probiotics and prebiotics in poultry production, focusing on their effects on the gastrointestinal and immune systems. Additionally, this review will discuss advanced applications and identify the optimal conditions for their use, aiming to enhance their future implementation.

References

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Dankowiakowska, A.; Kozłowska, I.; Bednarczyk, M. Probiotics, Prebiotics and Snybiotics in Poultry—Mode of Action, Limitation, and Achievements. J. Cent. Eur. Agric. 2013, 14, 467–478.
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