Review: Roles of Prebiotics in Intestinal Ecosystem of Broilers

Abstract

In recent years, prebiotics have been considered as potential alternatives to antibiotics. Mechanisms by which prebiotics modulate the ecosystem of the gut include alternation of the intestinal microbiota, improvement of the epithelium, and stimulation of the immune system. It is suggested that the administration of prebiotics not only influences these aspects but also regulates the interaction between the host and the intestinal microbiota comprehensively. In this review, we will discuss how each prebiotic ameliorates the ecosystem by direct or indirect mechanisms. Emphasis will be placed on the effects of prebiotics, including mannan oligosaccharides, β-glucans, and fructans, on the interaction between the intestinal microbiota, gut integrity, and the immunity of broilers. We will highlight how the prebiotics modulate microbial community and regulate production of cytokines and antibodies, improving gut development and the overall broiler health. Understanding the cross talk between prebiotics and the intestinal ecosystem may provide us with novel insights and strategies for preventing pathogen invasion and improving health and productivity of broilers. However, further studies need to be conducted to identify the appropriate dosages and better resources of prebiotics for refinement of administration, as well as to elucidate the unknown mechanisms of action.

Injection of Raffinose Family Oligosaccharides at 12 Days of Egg Incubation Modulates the Gut Development and Resistance to Opportunistic Pathogens in Broiler Chickens

“…To date, only few in ovo studies reported the application of prebiotics in ovo [6,7]. Regarding the performance objectives (body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio, FCR), the results for different prebiotics or synbiotics are found to be inconsistent, but consequently supporting the stimulating effect on gut development [8], immune gene expression [9], and improved resistance [10].…”

Metabolic Gene Expression in the Muscle and Blood Parameters of Broiler Chickens Stimulated In Ovo with Synbiotics

“…The quality and composition of the meat are also affected by the treatment of birds during rearing and by supplementation with bioactive substances. It has already been proved that the administration of bioactive substances such as synbiotics [3], probiotics [4], and prebiotics [5] affects the rearing parameters and intestinal microbiota, which may indirectly affect meat quality. The gastrointestinal microbiota affects the host organism by regulating immune response, metabolism, digestion, and nutrient absorption [6].…”

Comparative effectiveness of probiotic-based formulations on cecal microbiota modulation in broilers

“…The heightened potential of symbiotic formulations is accredited to mechanisms shared by both probiotics and prebiotics. Teng and Kim [33] have reported that prebiotics from inulin group might stimulate the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria by increasing the concentration of short-chain fatty acids and lactic acid in the ceca of broilers. It is worth highlighting that the intestinal colonization of LAB in poultry has been associated with reduction of pathogens, higher performance, and development of the immune system [8,14,34,35].…”