Summary
This narrative review synthesises current literature on the role of gut health in monogastric livestock (pigs and poultry), examining how probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics can improve nutrient digestibility, immune function, and production efficiency whilst reducing environmental impact. The authors argue that nutritional modulation of the gut microbiota represents a strategic intervention to reduce antibiotic dependency, lower waste generation, and support more sustainable animal production systems. The review links improved gut health outcomes to enhanced animal welfare, economic profitability, and reduced environmental pressure from nutrient leaching and greenhouse gas emissions.
Regional applicability
The findings are directly applicable to UK intensive pig and poultry production, where antibiotic stewardship and regulatory restrictions on growth promoters create commercial incentives for alternative feed additives. UK producers operating under Red Tractor and other assurance schemes may find the review's synthesis of gut health interventions relevant to meeting welfare and environmental standards.
Key measures
Gut microbiota composition, digestive efficiency, nutrient absorption, feed conversion, immune markers, disease resistance, methane and ammonia emissions, and production performance indicators
Outcomes reported
The review evaluated the effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics on gut microbiota composition, nutrient digestibility, animal performance metrics, immune function, and environmental outcomes including nutrient absorption and gas emissions in pigs and poultry.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Ask about this record, its theme or its relevance to UK farming and policy. Pulse AI uses selected catalogue evidence and cites the sources it draws on.