Prebiotics: Feeding the Good Microbes

The restriction on the use of antimicrobial growth promoters in animal production has accelerated the demand for alternative strategies to control and prevent the colonization of pathogenic bacteria while enhancing the growth rate and other production parameters. Modulating the gut microbiota through zootechnical feed additives, including prebiotics and synbiotics, offers a promising approach to improve animal health, welfare, and productivity in modern husbandry systems. Prebiotics are indigestible fibers that promote the growth of beneficial gut microbes, whereas synbiotics combine probiotics and prebiotics to exert a synergistic effect on gut health. Promoting a healthy balance of gut microbiota contributes to reducing the risk of infections and the need for antimicrobial agents. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of types and functional properties of prebiotics, their roles in microbiota modulation, gut health improvement, and use as sustainable alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in animal nutrition. Additionally, it highlights the application of synbiotics across different animal species and their role in boosting immunity and improving growth performance.