The human gastrointestinal tract is colonised by a complex ecosystem of microorganisms. Intestinal bacteria are not only commensal, but they also undergo a synbiotic co-evolution along with their host. Beneficial intestinal bacteria have numerous and important functions, e.g., they produce various nutrients for their host, prevent infections caused by intestinal pathogens, and modulate a normal immunological response. Therefore, modification of the intestinal microbiota in order to achieve, restore, and maintain favourable balance in the ecosystem, and the activity of microorganisms present in the gastrointestinal tract is necessary for the improved health condition of the host. The introduction of probiotics, prebiotics, or synbiotics into human diet is favourable for the intestinal microbiota. They may be consumed in the form of raw vegetables and fruit, fermented pickles, or dairy products. Another source may be pharmaceutical formulas and functional food. This paper provides a review of available information and summarises the current knowledge on the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on human health. The mechanism of beneficial action of those substances is discussed, and verified study results proving their efficacy in human nutrition are presented.

https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/9/1021/pdf

Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health.

https://www.ars.usda.gov/alternativestoantibiotics/PDF/publications/11CastanonJIR.pdf

History of the Use of Antibiotic as Growth Promoters in European Poultry Feeds

The current status and future focus of probiotic and prebiotic applications for salmonids

Probiotics and prebiotics in animal feeding for safe food production

Understanding and controlling environmental conditions is crucial to successful poultry production and welfare. Heat stress is one of the most important environmental stressors challenging poultry production worldwide. The detrimental effects of heat stress on broilers and laying hens range from reduced growth and egg production to decreased poultry and egg quality and safety. Moreover, the negative impact of heat stress on poultry welfare has recently attracted increasing public awareness and concern. Much information has been published on the effects of heat stress on productivity and immune response in poultry. However, our knowledge of basic mechanisms associated to the reported effects, as well as related to poultry behavior and welfare under heat stress conditions is in fact scarce. Intervention strategies to deal with heat stress conditions have been the focus of many published studies. Nevertheless, effectiveness of most of the interventions has been variable or inconsistent. This review focuses on the scientific evidence available on the importance and impact of heat stress in poultry production, with emphasis on broilers and laying hens.

https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/3/2/356/pdf

K. M. Burkholder

Papers

Application of prebiotics and probiotics in poultry production

Influence of Stressors on Normal Intestinal Microbiota, Intestinal Morphology, and Susceptibility to Salmonella Enteritidis Colonization in Broilers

Microbial Ecology Shifts in the Ileum of Broilers During Feed Withdrawal and Dietary Manipulations