The Role of Probiotics in Enhancing Animal Health: Mechanisms, Benefits, and Applications in Livestock and Companion Animals.
- 2025-10-15
- Animals : an open access journal from MDPI 15(20)
- Sorin Marian Mârza
- Camelia Munteanu
- Ionel Papuc
- Lăcătuş Radu
- Robert Cristian Purdoiu
- PubMed: 41153915
- DOI: 10.3390/ani15202986
This review examines the diverse ways in which probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when administered in adequate amounts, contribute to animal health and welfare across both livestock and companion species. By modulating gut microbiota, enhancing immune responses, and suppressing harmful pathogens, probiotics represent an effective strategy for disease prevention and performance improvement without reliance on antibiotics. In livestock production, these beneficial microbes have been shown to optimize feed utilization, support growth, and reduce methane emissions, thereby contributing to more sustainable farming practices. Their role extends beyond productivity, as probiotics also help mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by offering natural alternatives to conventional treatments. In aquaculture, they further promote environmental sustainability by improving water quality and reducing pathogen loads. For companion animals such as dogs and cats, probiotics are increasingly recognized for their ability to support gastrointestinal balance, alleviate stress through gut-brain axis interactions, and aid in the management of common conditions including diarrhea, food sensitivities, and allergies. The integration of probiotics into veterinary practice thus reflects a growing emphasis on holistic and preventive approaches to animal health. Despite these advances, several challenges remain, including variability in strain-specific efficacy, regulatory limitations, and cost-effectiveness in large-scale applications. Emerging research into precision probiotics, host-microbiome interactions, and innovative delivery methods offers promising avenues to overcome these barriers. As such, probiotics can be regarded not only as functional supplements but also as transformative tools that intersect animal health, productivity, and sustainability.
Research Insights
| Supplement | Health Outcome | Effect Type | Effect Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Improved Immune Modulation | Beneficial | Small |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | No Improvement in Allergy Symptoms | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Reduced Atopic Dermatitis Severity | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 | Reduced Severity of Allergic Rhinitis Symptoms | Beneficial | Moderate |