Probiotic supplementation and its effect on feed conversion in poultry
Keywords:
feed conversion, gut microbiota, poultry, poultry nutrition, probiotics.Abstract
Probiotic supplementation is a nutritional strategy widely studied in poultry production because of its potential effects on intestinal microbiota, nutrient utilisation, and productive performance. This scoping review aimed to map and analyse the available scientific evidence on probiotic supplementation and its effects on feed conversion in poultry, identifying the main microorganisms used, mechanisms of action, productive responses, and existing knowledge gaps. Twenty sources comprising scientific articles and reviews related to the use of probiotics in poultry production were examined. The evidence was organised according to the microorganisms used, mechanisms of action, intestinal variables, immune responses, and effects on growth and feed conversion. The results showed that Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, and Saccharomyces are among the main microorganisms evaluated. The mechanisms identified included modulation of intestinal microbiota, competitive exclusion of pathogenic microorganisms, improvement of intestinal morphology, and stimulation of immune responses. The analysed evidence showed favourable results on growth and feed efficiency under different experimental conditions; however, heterogeneity related to strains, doses, diets, bird age, and production conditions was also identified. It is concluded that probiotics have the potential to contribute to the optimisation of feed conversion through mechanisms related to intestinal health and functionality. Nevertheless, standardised research is required to establish the most effective supplementation conditions, determine the consistency of productive responses, and facilitate comparisons among results obtained in different poultry production systems.
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