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
Study Design
- Type
- Review
- Population
- animal health and welfare across both livestock and companion species
- Methods
- This review examines the diverse ways in which probiotics... contribute to animal health and welfare across both livestock and companion species
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
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 is associated with immunomodulatory effects that may support host defense and balance immune responses.
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Small
Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92 intake significantly improved the quality of life in patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis and reduced several symptom scores
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Moderate
Studies suggest that L. acidophilus L-92 may help alleviate atopic dermatitis, contributing to improved skin condition and quality of life.
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Moderate
Probiotics, including Lactobacillus acidophilus L-92, have been reported to improve symptoms of allergic rhinitis and other allergic diseases in clinical studies.
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Moderate