Probiotics in Ruminant Health, Mechanism and its Application in Animal Production

Probiotics in Ruminant Health, Mechanism and its Application in Animal Production

Preeti Lakhani¹, Neeti Lakhani² and Rajesh Kumar¹

1. Assistant Professor ,VPB, LUVAS, hisar
2. Assistant Professor ,ANN, GADVASU, Rampurahul (Punjab)
   

 Introduction

Probiotics are non-pathogenic microorganisms that occur naturally in the environment and the gastrointestinal tract of animals. They promote health by inhibiting harmful bacteria and improving nutrient absorption. robiotics play an important role in animal production and health, contributing to improved growth, health, and overall productivity in livestock and aquaculture. Here are some key areas where probiotics are beneficial:Gut Health Improvement- Probiotics help maintain a balanced gut microbiota, which can enhance digestion and nutrient absorption, leading to better overall health in animals.Disease Prevention- Probiotics can inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the gut, reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases and infections. This is especially crucial in young animals and intensive farming systems.Enhanced Immune Response- Probiotics stimulate the immune system, promoting the production of antibodies and enhancing the activity of immune cells. This helps animals better resist infections and diseases.Growth Promotion- Probiotics can improve feed efficiency and growth rates in livestock, leading to increased weight gain and productivity. This is often due to enhanced digestion and nutrient utilization.Stress Mitigation- Probiotics may help animals cope with stress from various sources, such as transport, weaning, or environmental changes. This can lead to improved welfare and productivity.Quality of Products-Probiotics can improve the quality of animal products, such as milk and meat, by enhancing flavor, texture, and shelf life. They can also contribute to healthier fatty acid profiles in products.Environmental Benefits-By improving nutrient utilization and reducing the excretion of nitrogen and phosphorus, probiotics can help decrease the environmental impact of animal production.Aquaculture Health-In aquaculture, probiotics can enhance the health and growth of fish and shellfish, improve water quality, and reduce the need for antibiotics.Incorporating probiotics into animal diets through feed additives or fermented feeds can significantly benefit animal health and productivity, promoting sustainable farming practices.This write-up provides an overview of probiotics, their history, definition, types, mode of action, characteristics, and effects on animal performance and health.

History of Probiotics

The concept of probiotics dates back to the early 20th century when Elie Metchnikoff, a Russian scientist, first introduced the idea of using live microorganisms to promote health. Metchnikoff, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1908, observed that the longevity of Bulgarian peasants was due to their consumption of fermented milk products containing live microorganisms.

In the 1920s and 1930s, researchers began to explore the use of live microorganisms as a means of preventing and treating diseases. The term “probiotics” was coined in 1965 by Lilly and Stillwell, who defined it as “live microorganisms that confer a health benefit on the host when administered in adequate amounts.”

Since then, research on probiotics has grown significantly, leading to a better understanding of their benefits and applications. In the 1970s and 1980s, probiotics were primarily used in animal feed to improve growth rates and prevent diseases. In the 1990s and 2000s, the use of probiotics expanded to human health, with a focus on improving gut health and immune function.

Today, probiotics are recognized as a valuable tool in promoting animal health and performance, and their use is becoming increasingly widespread in the animal feed industry.

Definition and Types of Probiotics

Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms that confer a health benefit on the host when administered in adequate amounts.” They are widely recognized as non-pathogenic microorganisms with health benefits. Probiotics can be classified into different types, including:

Probiotics can be classified based on several criteria, including their origin, taxonomy, and functionality. Here are some common classifications:

1. Taxonomic Classification

• Bacteria: Most probiotics are bacterial strains. Common genera include:
  • Lactobacillus: Found in fermented foods and gut flora.
  • Bifidobacterium: Commonly present in the intestines of infants.
  • Saccharomyces: A genus of yeast, like Saccharomyces boulardii, known for probiotic properties.
  • Streptococcus: Some species can have probiotic effects.
  • Enterococcus: Certain strains may provide health benefits.

2. Origin

• Human-derived Probiotics: Strains isolated from human sources, tailored for human health.
• Animal-derived Probiotics: Strains from animal sources, often used in livestock and pet nutrition.
• Plant-derived Probiotics: Strains isolated from plant materials or fermented plant foods.

3. Functionality

• Gut Health Probiotics: Focused on digestive health (e.g., Lactobacillus rhamnosus).
• Immune Support Probiotics: Enhancing immune function (e.g., Bifidobacterium animalis).
• Antimicrobial Probiotics: Inhibiting pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Lactobacillus plantarum).
• Metabolic Probiotics: Affecting metabolism and weight management (e.g., certain Bifidobacterium strains).

4. Formulation Type

• Single Strain Probiotics: Containing one specific strain.
• Multi-Strain Probiotics: Combining several different strains for synergistic effects.
• Synbiotics: A combination of probiotics and prebiotics, designed to enhance the growth of beneficial microbes.

5. Application

• Food Probiotics: Added to fermented foods like yogurt and kefir.
• Dietary Supplements: Available in capsules, tablets, or powders.
• Animal Probiotics: Used in livestock and pet food.

Each classification highlights the diverse nature of probiotics and their potential applications across different domains of health and nutritio

Mode of Action

Probiotics are live microorganisms that confer health benefits to the host when consumed in adequate amounts. Their mechanisms of action include:

1. Gut Microbiota Modulation: Probiotics help balance the gut microbiome by inhibiting harmful bacteria and promoting beneficial ones. This can lead to improved digestive health and reduced gastrointestinal disorders.
2. Barrier Function Enhancement: Probiotics strengthen the intestinal barrier by promoting the production of mucins and tight junction proteins, which help prevent pathogen entry and maintain gut integrity.
3. Immune System Support: Probiotics can enhance immune responses by interacting with immune cells, stimulating the production of antibodies, and modulating cytokine production, thus improving overall immune function.
4. Production of Antimicrobial Substances: Many probiotics produce substances like lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and bacteriocins that inhibit the growth of pathogens and harmful bacteria.
5. Metabolism of Dietary Components: Probiotics can metabolize dietary fibers and other compounds, producing short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that nourish colon cells and have anti-inflammatory effects.
6. pH Modulation: By producing organic acids, probiotics lower the gut pH, creating an unfavorable environment for pathogenic bacteria.

Overall, the benefits of probiotics depend on their specific strains, dosage, and the individual’s health status.

Characteristics of Probiotics

• Effective probiotics should have the following characteristics:
• Ability to survive the passage through the digestive system
• Ability to attach to the intestinal epithelia and colonize
• Ability to maintain good viability
• Ability to utilize nutrients and substrates in a normal diet
• Non-pathogenic and non-toxic
• Capable of exerting a beneficial effect on the host
• Effects of Probiotics on Animal Performance and Health

Probiotics have been shown to improve animal performance and health in several ways, including:

• Increased Feed Intake and Nutrient Digestibility: Probiotics can improve feed intake and nutrient digestibility by increasing the production of digestive enzymes and improving the absorption of nutrients.
• Improved Growth Rate and Weight Gain: Probiotics can improve growth rate and weight gain by increasing the production of growth factors and improving the utilization of nutrients.
• Enhanced Milk Production and Composition: Probiotics can improve milk production and composition by increasing the production of milk proteins and improving the fatty acid profile of milk.
• Reduced Methane Production: Probiotics can reduce methane production by improving the efficiency of ruminal fermentation and reducing the production of methane-producing microorganisms.
• Improved Immune Function and Disease Resistance: Probiotics can improve immune function and disease resistance by stimulating the production of antibodies and activating immune cells.
• Improved Gut Health
• Reduced Stress and Improved Welfare
• Improved Reproductive Performance
• Improved Meat Quality

Ongoing Research

Research on probiotics is ongoing, with a focus on:

• Establishing homeostasis conditions within the gut and rumen microflora
• Enhancing the relative abundance of beneficial microbial species
• Modulating specific immune functions and immune homeostasis
• Preventing pathogenic invasion into the gastrointestinal tract

Conclusion

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits when added to animal feed, enhancing gut health and immunity. Their importance lies in promoting better digestion, nutrient absorption, and disease resistance in livestock. Ongoing research is exploring advanced probiotic strains and applications to optimize animal performance and reduce antibiotic dependence, ensuring sustainable animal production.

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