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The use of probiotics as eco-friendly alternatives for antibiotics in poultry nutrition

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Abstract

Antibiotics as growth promoters in poultry have been used for long time for improving feed efficiency and performance. Due to their various side-effects such as antibiotic resistance, destruction of beneficial bacteria in the gut, and dysbiosis, it is required to think about some alternatives. Probiotics are one of the options in this regard for improving poultry production. Probiotics are defined as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.” They are available in various forms for use as feed additives. Probiotics as feed additives aid in proper digestion of feed hence make the nutrients available for faster growth. Immunity can also be improved by addition of probiotics to poultry diets. Moreover, probiotics aid in improving meat and egg quality traits. Various infectious diseases of poultry can be countered by use of probiotics in their feed. A proper selection of probiotic strains is required for gaining optimal effects. This review focuses on the mechanisms of action of probiotics and their importance in poultry feed supplementation for enhancing production and safeguarding health of poultry.

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Acknowledgments

All the authors of the manuscript thank and acknowledge their respective institutes, universities, and organizations for necessary help in compilation of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Poultry, Faculty of Agriculture, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt

    Mahmoud Alagawany & Mohamed E. Abd El-Hack

  2. Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt

    Mayada R. Farag

  3. Immunology Section, ICAR – Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India

    Swati Sachan

  4. Central University Laboratory, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Madhavaram Milk Colony, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600051, India

    Kumaragurubaran Karthik

  5. Division of Pathology, ICAR – Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, Uttar Pradesh, 243122, India

    Kuldeep Dhama

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  1. Mahmoud Alagawany
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Alagawany, M., Abd El-Hack, M.E., Farag, M.R. et al. The use of probiotics as eco-friendly alternatives for antibiotics in poultry nutrition. Environ Sci Pollut Res 25, 10611–10618 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-1687-x

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