INFLUENCE OF PROBIOTIC SUPPLEMENTS ON GUT HEALTH IN LIVESTOCK

Abstract

With the ban on the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in livestock, alternatives are needed to enhance the performance and health of livestock. This study investigated the influence of multi strain probiotic supplements (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Bacillus subtilis) on gut health parameters across three livestock species—broiler chickens, weaned piglets, and dairy calves—using a randomized controlled trial design with 240 animals assigned to control, low dose probiotic , high dose probiotic , and antibiotic growth promoter groups over 42–60 days. We measured several parameters such as quantitative bacterial count and gut mucosal histomorphometry, blood immune responses, growth performance and short High Villus height Probiotics also enhanced IgA and IgG by 2.7 Median effective dose (ED₅₀) of 7.71-8.12 log₁₀ CFU (calculated by Hill equation) was recorded for high The gut index was 78.8-84.9% with probiotics and 37.9-40.5% with antibiotics. These results establish that high dose multi strain probiotics significantly enhance gut microbiota composition, intestinal morphology, immune function, and growth performance in livestock, positioning them as superior, sustainable alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters for improving animal health and reducing antimicrobial resistance risks in agricultural systems.