Probiotics in Wild Animal Nutrition and Health

Wild animals are sources of income, food, microorganisms, valuable products like fur and other goods. In addition, wild animals contribute to a balanced ecosystem. Wild life is under threat due to shrinking habitat, unlawful poaching for various organs, biotic and abiotic stress, and abrupt emergence of pathogens and parasites. Under certain compelling situations, some wild animals have to be kept under controlled environment to prevent them from extinction and repopulate through assisted reproduction. Captive animals suffer from stress and gastrointestinal disorders. As microbial therapies can avert some GI disorders, there is scope for microbial research and applications to improve conservation outcomes and health of captive model animals.