Pre- and probiotics for increased disease resistance in the nonruminant animal

Abstract Text: In addition to formulating diets for poultry and swine to optimize performance outcomes, an equally important goal is to apply nutritional interventions to support a healthy and functional gastrointestinal tract. The latter has gained considerable interest as the utilization of in-feed antibiotics and some ingredients (such as those derived from animals) has come under increased scrutiny and may no longer be an option. To this end, feed additives such as pre- and probiotics have been suggested as feed additives with potential to mitigate enteric diseases in poultry and swine raised under antibiotic-free feeding programs. Prebiotics are ingredients that are selectively fermented and lead to specific changes in the composition and (or) activity of gut microbiota (e.g. bifidobacteria and lactobacilli) that confer beneficial effects to the host. Various carbohydrate components, including fructooligosaccharides and transoligosaccharides and other fibre types (e.g. inulin, sugar beet pulp, and coarsely ground wheat bran) have been reported to cause prebiotic effects in poultry and swine. Moreover, it has been reported that dietary supplementation with carbohydrases may generate carbohydrate components in the gut that could enhance gut health and function partly by acting as prebiotics. Probiotics are live microorganisms which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host. The beneficial effects of these additives are mediated through one or more of the following mechanisms in the gut:  stimulation of a healthy microbiota, prevention of enteric colonization by pathogens, improving digestive capacity and lowering the pH, improving mucosal immunity, or enhancing gut tissue maturation and integrity. Bacillus, yeast and lactic acid-producing bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Enterococcus are the most common groups of organisms used as probiotics. This presentation will highlight recent studies on the utilization of pre- and probiotic utilization in the nutritional management of gut health and function in the nonruminant animal. Also, the mechanisms underlying the effects of these additives will be discussed along with the possible reasons for the inconsistencies often seen among studies with regards to the efficacy of these additives.

Keywords: Prebiotics, probiotics, poultry, swine