Probiotics over antibiotics in the poultry industry

Abstract

Background: Antibiotics have been used for centuries back when probiotics were not available for livestock and poultry industries. In recent decades, negative impacts of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) have been researched and positive consequences of probiotics have been revealed. The objectives of this short review are to focus on the benefits of probiotics over antibiotics including boosting immunity; putting eyes on the improvement of productivity and quality of products such as reduction of cholesterol levels; the importance of probiotics usage instead of antibiotics as a growth promoter; attention on reduction of AMR impact and lay emphasis on public health. Methods: Secondary data and published peer-reviewed reports were used to write this short review. Results: The use of probiotics is enormously beneficial over antibiotics. Published literature suggests using probiotics to enhance immunity levels, increase productivity and product quality, reduce AMR impact, and increase public health safety. Conclusion: Probiotics can be included in poultry diets as an alternative to antibiotics which will address the AMR issues and thereby reduce public health hazards.