Probiotic applications of bifidobacteria in poultry: administration methods and microencapsulation techniques

Area of Science:

• * Animal Science
• * Microbiology
• * Food Science

Background:

• * Growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance and demand for safe food drive the search for alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry.
• * Bifidobacterium species are recognized for their safety, immunomodulatory effects, and gut health benefits, making them promising probiotic candidates.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To comprehensively review the biological roles, delivery strategies, and microencapsulation techniques for Bifidobacterium spp. in poultry.
• * To highlight the potential of Bifidobacterium as functional feed additives in sustainable, antibiotic-free poultry production.

Main Methods:

• * Review of scientific literature on Bifidobacterium spp. in poultry, focusing on biological functions, administration routes, and microencapsulation technologies.
• * Analysis of various delivery methods (oral, in ovo, spray/litter, cloacal) and microencapsulation techniques (spray drying, freeze drying, extrusion, etc.).

Main Results:

• * Bifidobacteria enhance poultry health by modulating gut microbiota, improving intestinal morphology, digestive enzyme activity, and immune responses.
• * Challenges in Bifidobacterium viability due to anaerobic metabolism and sensitivity to gastric acid are addressed by advanced delivery and microencapsulation.
• * Microencapsulation protects probiotics and improves targeted delivery to the intestines.

Conclusions:

• * Bifidobacterium spp. show significant potential as functional feed additives for antibiotic-free poultry production.
• * Optimizing encapsulation materials and administration routes is crucial for maximizing probiotic efficacy.
• * Further research on strain performance in commercial settings is needed for widespread adoption in sustainable poultry farming.