Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Animal Nutrition

Antibiotics have been used in animal feeds as antimicrobial growth promoters over the past 50 years. However, the ban of antibiotics due to the development of antimicrobial resistance, is calling for alternative approaches. For example, the application of probiotics and prebiotics in animal feed may enhance the natural defense mechanism against unhealthful microorganisms and reduce the risk of intestinal diseases. Probiotics are living microorganisms administered orally in enough quantity to change epithelial duct microorganism communities in specific host’s, leading to improved health of the host. Prebiotics are non-digestible fiber created from the fermentation of enteric microorganisms which boosts useful commensal gut microorganisms ensuring a useful physiological result on the host, whether man or animal. Both induce beneficial effects on animals such as modulation of the system, growth sweetening and sickness bar. The combination of probiotics and prebiotics might be next step to scale back the possibilities of infection in animal. This chapter reviews probiotics and prebiotics in animal nutrition as an alternative to antibiotics. The definition, selection as well as mechanisms of action of probiotics and prebiotics are presented. We discuss the up-to-date information about the role of probiotics and prebiotics in animal nutrition and health, specially on monogastric animals and aquaculture. Issues of safety and risk within the use of probiotics and prebiotics for animal use are additionally provided.