Post-biotics as emerging next-generation feed additives in poultry nutrition: A review of gut health, immunity, and production performance

Abstract:

Following the ban of antibiotic growth promoters from poultry production‚ there has been much research on safe nutritional alternatives that can be used to improve gut health and productive performance․ Among the alternatives that have been investigated‚ post-biotics have attracted much attention due to their advantages over viable microorganisms․ According to the International Scientific Association of Probiotics and Prebiotics (ISAPP)‚ post-biotics are defined as preparations of inactivated microorganisms and/or their components that confer a health benefit on the host․ The resistance to feed-processing conditions‚ longer storage stability‚ better safety profile‚ and convenience make post-biotics a functional feed additive in modern poultry production systems․ The present review summarizes recent (2020-2025) developments in the manufacture‚ characterization‚ biological modes of action‚ and application of post-biotics in poultry nutrition․ Postbiotic preparations obtained from lactic acid bacteria‚ Bacillus spp․‚ yeasts‚ and other microbial sources contain functional bioactive compounds such as organic acids‚ short-chain fatty acids‚ bacteriocins‚ exopolysaccharides‚ enzymes‚ peptides‚ and cell wall components․ They are bioactive compounds involved in stabilizing intestinal microbiotas‚ fortifying the epithelial barrier‚ and controlling immune responses‚ antioxidant activity‚ and nutrient absorption․ Studies show that feeding post-biotics to broilers‚ layers‚ and breeder birds improves growth performance‚ feed conversion‚ intestinal morphology‚ disease resistance‚ meat quality‚ and other productive performance-related factors․ However‚ responses to post-biotics can vary greatly depending on various factors such as microbial strains and production technologies‚ inactivation methods‚ dosages and feeding modes‚ genotypes‚ physiological condition‚ and environmental conditions of the birds․

Although evidence supports the potential of post-biotics as next-generation functional feed additives, there is little known about optimal dose selection, mechanisms of action, safety, and commercial-scale validation. Future studies using microbiome profiling, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and controlled challenges will help us better understand the host–microbe interactions and develop standard, evidence-based postbiotic products for sustainable poultry production.