Probiotics in Animal Nutrition

The irrational use of antibiotic growth promoters in animal nutrition has contributed to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), creating an urgent need for alternative strategies. One promising approach to combat AMR is to enhance the animal body’s natural defenses against infections through the use of probiotics. In recent years, the use of probiotics has gained significant attention as an alternative to antibiotics, not only for the prevention of enteric infections but also for enhancing gut health and nutrient absorption. Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate quantities, confer a health benefit to the host by beneficially modulating the gut microbiota and strengthening the immune responses. They are available in various forms for use as feed additives, supporting efficient feed digestion and enhancing nutrient availability for improved growth performance. However, the careful selection of probiotic strains is essential to achieve optimal health and production benefits. This chapter explores probiotic strains, their mechanisms of action, species-specific applications as growth promoters, and prospects as sustainable alternatives to antibiotics as growth promoters in animal nutrition.