**3.2 Probiotics in poultry production**

The objective of using probiotics in poultry production is to improve performance in broiler chickens and to increase egg production in laying hens in addition to reduce intestinal colonization by pathogens as *Salmonella* sp. the main genus of bacteria identified in gastrointestinal tract of birds are: *Bacillus*, *Bifidobacterium*, *Clostridium*, *Enterobacter*, *Lactobacillus*, *Fusobacterium*, *Escherichia*, *Enterococcus* and *Streptococcus*.

The starting point in the use of probiotics in birds was set by Nurmi & Rantala (1973), who observed that when intestinal content of the healthy adult birds were orally administrated to birds at one day of age, it changed their sensitivity to *Salmonella* sp. in poultry production, manners of probiotic administration to birds more commonly observed are: by the feeds, by drinking water, by pulverization on the birds, inoculation via cloaca or in embryonated eggs (*in ovo*), among others, and the manner of administration has effect on intestinal colonization capacity.

Except if submitted to stress situation, bacteria which colonize gastrointestinal tract of the birds since their birth, tend to remain there for the rest of their lives. Therefore*, in ovo* inoculation is an aspect of using probiotics for birds*. In ovo* inoculation of probiotics

Probiotics can also be used to promote growth in aquatic organisms, either by a direct help in nutrient absorption or by supplying them. Lara-Flores et al. (2003) concluded that the use of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* yeast as probiotic for Nile tilapia (*Oreochromis niloticus*) alevino as growth promoter, resulted in a greater growth and feed efficiency, suggesting that yeast is a proper growth promoter in the tilapia farming. Lin et al. (2004) used *Bacillus* sp. in the diet of shrimp *Litopenaeus vannamei* improving feed digestibility indices. Ziaei-Nejad et al. (2006) added probiotic *Bacillus* sp. in the cultivation of shrimp *Fenneropenaeus indicus* larvae and observed that in addition to the increase of survival, there was an increase in the activity of enzymes lipase, protease and amylase in the digestive tract of shrimp, which may stimulate

However, addition of probiotics *Bacillus subtilis* at different doses (2.5; 5.0 and 10 g kg-1 of diet) in diets for bullfrog (*Lithobates catesbeianus*) with initial weight of 3.13g did not improve weight gain, apparent feed conversion and survival when compared to control treatment (without addition of probiotic), but the immunostimulatory effect was evidenced through

Another aspect of using probiotics in aquaculture is the improvement of the water quality in culture ponds. Reduction on nitrogen and phosphate compounds in the water used in *Litopenaeus vannamei* shrimp cultivation was observed when commercial probiotics were added into the water (Wang et al., 2005). Similarly, it was observed an improvement in the water used for cultivation of *Penaeus monodon* shrimp when *Bacillus* sp. was used as

The conditions in which animal are submitted during cultivation can influence directly efficiency of probiotics. Thus, when they are not submitted to stressing situations, the obtained results many times do not show significant effect of probiotics on animal performance, so, more scientific studies should be conducted to know better interactions

The objective of using probiotics in poultry production is to improve performance in broiler chickens and to increase egg production in laying hens in addition to reduce intestinal colonization by pathogens as *Salmonella* sp. the main genus of bacteria identified in gastrointestinal tract of birds are: *Bacillus*, *Bifidobacterium*, *Clostridium*, *Enterobacter*,

The starting point in the use of probiotics in birds was set by Nurmi & Rantala (1973), who observed that when intestinal content of the healthy adult birds were orally administrated to birds at one day of age, it changed their sensitivity to *Salmonella* sp. in poultry production, manners of probiotic administration to birds more commonly observed are: by the feeds, by drinking water, by pulverization on the birds, inoculation via cloaca or in embryonated eggs (*in ovo*), among others, and the manner of administration has effect on intestinal colonization

Except if submitted to stress situation, bacteria which colonize gastrointestinal tract of the birds since their birth, tend to remain there for the rest of their lives. Therefore*, in ovo* inoculation is an aspect of using probiotics for birds*. In ovo* inoculation of probiotics

the increase of phagocytic capacity in the animals (França et al., 2008).

*Lactobacillus*, *Fusobacterium*, *Escherichia*, *Enterococcus* and *Streptococcus*.

the better use of the artificial feed.

probiotic (Dalmin et al., 2001).

between those factors with the animals.

**3.2 Probiotics in poultry production** 

capacity.

*Lactobacillus casei*, *Lactobacillus plantarum* and *Enterococcus faecium* at 106 UFC egg-1, at 16 days of incubation and the performance of challenge of chicks at one day of age via stomach with 13.6 x 106 UFC mL-1 of *Salmonella enteritidis*, improved performance of animals fed probiotics when compared to control treatment (Leandro et al., 2004). Moreover, in the same experiment, authors observed that from 7 to 21 days of age, *Salmonella* sp. was identified only in challenged animals which were not fed probiotic. It is suggested that probiotic avoided bacterium colonization in the gastrointestinal tract of the birds.

In chicks emerging from incubators, pH concentration and the presence of volatile fatty acids, which are one of the main protection barriers of the animal organism, are not sufficiently chemically to avoid that pathogens enter in their organism. Moreover, the small variety of the birds' intestinal microbiota in this phase is considered as a limiting factor for the digestion and for the possibility of intestinal colonization by enteric pathogens. Thus, probiotic supplementation seems to be a beneficial action for the animal performance and health of birds from commercial incubators.

An efficient immune response is related to the presence of immunomodulaters in the diet, which will act by reducing immune stress and then reducing nutrient mobilization to activities which are not related with production (meat or eggs), permitting in addition to a greater survival in stress situations, the non-harmful effect on animal performance.

The use of yeast *Saccharomyces boulardii* in the diet for broiler chickens reduced the level of *Salmonella* sp. from 53.3% to 40.0% at stress conditions in transportation to slaughter (Line et al., 1998). The used of yeast *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* var. *chromium* reduced negative effects of caloric stress on broiler chickens (Guo & Liu, 1997).

The results of studies with probiotics in poultry production have been showed to be rather contradictory regarding to its efficiency. Not always are positive results observed by using probiotics. Those vary with age of the animal, type of probiotic used, viability of the microorganisms, storage conditions, level and manner of administration, in addition to the low challenge in relation to the experimental condition concerned to sanity, management and other stressful conditions. Some researchers have stated that the addition of probiotics into the diet did not improve animal performance in broiler chickens. Estrada et al. (2001) observed that the administration of *Bifidobacterium bifidum* did not alter significantly animal growth. But, according to Zulkifli et al. (2000), even by observing an increase in the feed intake, there was no reduction in feed efficiency in broiler chickens when *Lactobacillus* sp. was administered in the diet.

On the other hand, several studies have shown extremely interesting results on adition of probiotics into diets for broiler chickens. The addition of *Bacillus subtilis* into the diet increased weight gain and feed conversion (Fritts et al., 2000). The addition of *Lactobacillus*  increased weight gain and improved feed conversion of supplemented animals (Kalavathi et al., 2003). The use of yeast *Saccharomyces boulardii* in *Salmonella enteritidis* infected broiler chickens improved feed efficiency by 10% when compared to control treatment, and by 12% in animals supplemented with *Bacillus cereus* var. toyoii (Gil de los Santos, 2004).

Concerning to carcass quality of broiler chickens, the beneficial effect of probiotic use was also observed. The addition of *Lactobacillus acidophilus* e *Streptococcus faecium* reduced plasma protein concentration, levels of total cholesterol and HDL in addition to an increase in the protein content of probiotic supplemented animals (Pietras, 2001).

The Benefits of Probiotics in Human and Animal Nutrition 87

conditions must provide no stress for the animals and balanced microbial community, probiotics and even antibiotics used at subclinical dose will have little or any effect on animal performance. However, it is difficult that an animal will not suffer from stress or will live in an environment free of pathogenic microorganisms in the exiting commercial

Regarding animal performance, Roth & Kirchgessener (1988) observed improvement in weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion when using *Bacillus toyoii* based probiotic in diets for piglets. Cristani et al. (1999) observed an improved of up to 8% in feed conversion of piglets in the nursery phase, when bacteria *Lactobacillus acidophilus* was administered in the diet. Those results can be related to enzymatic production of probiotics with improve nutrient digestion by lactase and galactosidase production, which hydrolyzes lactose, permitting its absorption. The use of a probiotic congaing *Bacillus licheniformis* and endospore of *Bacillus subtilis* increased feed intake, reduced weight loss and reduced the interval between weaning and estrus in sows (Alexopoulos et al., 2004). In the same study, it was observed in piglets from those sows, an average of 0.38 kg more than the control group.

From the possible effects observed with the addition of probiotics for ruminants, it stands out: increase in the number of bacteria in the rumen; increase in rumen digestion of cellulose, increasing nutrient availability for production process, improving use efficiency of roughage, in addition of stimulating greater dry matter ingestion; competitive exclusion in the intestine, resulting in a reduction of bacteria which cause diarrhea; production of

Yeasts are used in ruminant feeding with the objective of increasing dry matter digestibility, especially neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber (Kamalamma et al., 1996). Yeast supplementation increases the number of bacteria in the rumen, particularly cellulosic bacteria. Growth factor supply (for example: vitamins), removal of oxygen by *Saccharomyces*  (rumen content is essentially anaerobic), buffer effect and reduction in the number of protozoan are some of the factors associated to this response (Callaway & Martin, 1997).

Among the several species of bacteria present in the rumen, cellulose bacteria, essential for ruminant nutrition for cellulose digestion, stands out. Another important function of the microbiota in the rumen is the production of complex B vitamins. Fermentative activities and qualitative content of microorganisms in the rumen can vary and decrease according to the diet and stressing situations as well. In the modern agriculture, cattle are constantly submitted to stressing factors as for example frequent management in the barn, vaccinations, identification, castration, contention, artificial insemination, confinement, and so on. Therefore, it can be concluded that depression in rumen microbiota, resulting from stress, will reduce feed digestibility, vitamin synthesis, resulting in growth and milk

Because increase of genetic potential of the animals it becomes more and more necessary the development of diets with greater genetic and protein content jointed with adequacy of fibrous fraction, which is important in rumen health. Therefore, the inclusion of grains into the diet favors growth of bacteria as *Streptococcus bovis*, which is lactate producer, causing reduction in the rumen pH. Submitting cattle to diet with high percentage of concentrate

production nowadays.

**3.4 Probiotics for ruminants** 

production.

bacteriocine; acting as immunostimulants.

#### **3.3 Probiotics in swine farming**

The bacteria usually found in the gastrointestinal tract of swine are: Bacteroides rumnicola, B. uniformis, B. succinogenes, Butyruvibrio fibrisalvens, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Eubacterium aerofaciens, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casei, L. fermentum, Peptostreptococcus productis, Selenomonas ruminantium, Streptococcus salivarius and the yeast found are: Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida sp. (Russel, 1979).

By evaluating the balance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal epithelium of swines in normal conditions, Robinson et al. (1984) found *Lactobacillus acidophilus* in 11.9%, *Streptococcus faecium* in 54,4% and *Escherichia coli* in less than 1%. When there were intestinal disorders, reduction of *L. acidophilus* and *S. faecium* up to 6% was observed, resulting in an increase of *E. coli* to 14%.

Regarding microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract, it is found two critical moments in the swine farming, which are birth and weaning. Piglets are born without microbiological contamination, but in a short time, gastrointestinal tract is mostly colonized by *Lactobacillus*, *Bifidobacterium* and *Bacteroides*, and less by potentially pathogenic organism as for example *Escherichia coli*, *Enterococcus*, *Clostridium* and *Staphylococcus*. After weaning, there is a drop in lactic bacteria population, so population of pathogenic organism increases (for example: *E. coli*). These pathogenic microorganisms can be adhered to the intestinal epithelium, then they multiply, unbalancing intestinal microbiota, causing post-weaning diarrhea.

Administration of *Lactobacillus* sp. as probiotic for piglets during a six-week period increased its presence in the intestine and reduced *Pseudomonas* sp. and *Clostridium perfringens*, in addition to reduce intestinal pH, although effect on weight gain and apparent feed conversion had not been observed, compared to the control group (Tereda et al., 1994). Likewise, administration of probiotic for sows from the end of gestation to the end of lactation will be able to stabilize intestinal microbiota of the female, establishing a favorable microbiota in piglets in suckling. This fact was evidenced by Alexopoulos et al. (2004).

Conditions of microbial unbalance during stress create a favorable condition for fixation of pathogenic microorganisms, leading to structural changes, as for example shortening of villi. This reduction results in a smaller absorption area, lower production of enzymes and nutrient transportation, predisposing animals to poor absorption, a possible dehydration and conditions of enteric infections. Upon this aspect, results obtained with the use of probiotics for swines are very contradictory. Pollman & Bandick (1984) reported that animals fed *Lactobacillus* based products did not present difference on small intestine morphology when challenged by *E. coli*. But, Jonsson & Henningsson (1991) did not observe probiotic effect on the size of the villus. Kritas et al. (2006) observed less incidence of diarrhea in piglets supplemented with *Bacillus subtilis* and *Bacillus licheniformis* during suckling and post-weaning. However, Utiyama et al. (2006) did not observe any benefic effect of supplementation with *Bacillus subtilis* and *Bacillus licheniformis* in diets for weaned piglets under diarrhea control when compared to the ones which were not fed probiotic.

Those differences can come from factors as for example: genetics of the animals, species of the microorganisms used in the product; the used dose; environment temperature and sanitary condition of the swine farm inasmuch as many experiments evaluate the use of probiotics in low sanitary challenge conditions. In addition to a good sanitary quality, those

The bacteria usually found in the gastrointestinal tract of swine are: Bacteroides rumnicola, B. uniformis, B. succinogenes, Butyruvibrio fibrisalvens, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli, Eubacterium aerofaciens, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. casei, L. fermentum, Peptostreptococcus productis, Selenomonas ruminantium, Streptococcus salivarius and the

By evaluating the balance between beneficial and pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal epithelium of swines in normal conditions, Robinson et al. (1984) found *Lactobacillus acidophilus* in 11.9%, *Streptococcus faecium* in 54,4% and *Escherichia coli* in less than 1%. When there were intestinal disorders, reduction of *L. acidophilus* and *S. faecium* up to 6% was

Regarding microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract, it is found two critical moments in the swine farming, which are birth and weaning. Piglets are born without microbiological contamination, but in a short time, gastrointestinal tract is mostly colonized by *Lactobacillus*, *Bifidobacterium* and *Bacteroides*, and less by potentially pathogenic organism as for example *Escherichia coli*, *Enterococcus*, *Clostridium* and *Staphylococcus*. After weaning, there is a drop in lactic bacteria population, so population of pathogenic organism increases (for example: *E. coli*). These pathogenic microorganisms can be adhered to the intestinal epithelium, then

Administration of *Lactobacillus* sp. as probiotic for piglets during a six-week period increased its presence in the intestine and reduced *Pseudomonas* sp. and *Clostridium perfringens*, in addition to reduce intestinal pH, although effect on weight gain and apparent feed conversion had not been observed, compared to the control group (Tereda et al., 1994). Likewise, administration of probiotic for sows from the end of gestation to the end of lactation will be able to stabilize intestinal microbiota of the female, establishing a favorable microbiota in piglets in suckling. This fact was evidenced by Alexopoulos et al. (2004).

Conditions of microbial unbalance during stress create a favorable condition for fixation of pathogenic microorganisms, leading to structural changes, as for example shortening of villi. This reduction results in a smaller absorption area, lower production of enzymes and nutrient transportation, predisposing animals to poor absorption, a possible dehydration and conditions of enteric infections. Upon this aspect, results obtained with the use of probiotics for swines are very contradictory. Pollman & Bandick (1984) reported that animals fed *Lactobacillus* based products did not present difference on small intestine morphology when challenged by *E. coli*. But, Jonsson & Henningsson (1991) did not observe probiotic effect on the size of the villus. Kritas et al. (2006) observed less incidence of diarrhea in piglets supplemented with *Bacillus subtilis* and *Bacillus licheniformis* during suckling and post-weaning. However, Utiyama et al. (2006) did not observe any benefic effect of supplementation with *Bacillus subtilis* and *Bacillus licheniformis* in diets for weaned piglets under diarrhea control when compared to the ones which were not fed

Those differences can come from factors as for example: genetics of the animals, species of the microorganisms used in the product; the used dose; environment temperature and sanitary condition of the swine farm inasmuch as many experiments evaluate the use of probiotics in low sanitary challenge conditions. In addition to a good sanitary quality, those

they multiply, unbalancing intestinal microbiota, causing post-weaning diarrhea.

yeast found are: Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida sp. (Russel, 1979).

**3.3 Probiotics in swine farming** 

probiotic.

observed, resulting in an increase of *E. coli* to 14%.

conditions must provide no stress for the animals and balanced microbial community, probiotics and even antibiotics used at subclinical dose will have little or any effect on animal performance. However, it is difficult that an animal will not suffer from stress or will live in an environment free of pathogenic microorganisms in the exiting commercial production nowadays.

Regarding animal performance, Roth & Kirchgessener (1988) observed improvement in weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion when using *Bacillus toyoii* based probiotic in diets for piglets. Cristani et al. (1999) observed an improved of up to 8% in feed conversion of piglets in the nursery phase, when bacteria *Lactobacillus acidophilus* was administered in the diet. Those results can be related to enzymatic production of probiotics with improve nutrient digestion by lactase and galactosidase production, which hydrolyzes lactose, permitting its absorption. The use of a probiotic congaing *Bacillus licheniformis* and endospore of *Bacillus subtilis* increased feed intake, reduced weight loss and reduced the interval between weaning and estrus in sows (Alexopoulos et al., 2004). In the same study, it was observed in piglets from those sows, an average of 0.38 kg more than the control group.

#### **3.4 Probiotics for ruminants**

From the possible effects observed with the addition of probiotics for ruminants, it stands out: increase in the number of bacteria in the rumen; increase in rumen digestion of cellulose, increasing nutrient availability for production process, improving use efficiency of roughage, in addition of stimulating greater dry matter ingestion; competitive exclusion in the intestine, resulting in a reduction of bacteria which cause diarrhea; production of bacteriocine; acting as immunostimulants.

Yeasts are used in ruminant feeding with the objective of increasing dry matter digestibility, especially neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber (Kamalamma et al., 1996). Yeast supplementation increases the number of bacteria in the rumen, particularly cellulosic bacteria. Growth factor supply (for example: vitamins), removal of oxygen by *Saccharomyces*  (rumen content is essentially anaerobic), buffer effect and reduction in the number of protozoan are some of the factors associated to this response (Callaway & Martin, 1997).

Among the several species of bacteria present in the rumen, cellulose bacteria, essential for ruminant nutrition for cellulose digestion, stands out. Another important function of the microbiota in the rumen is the production of complex B vitamins. Fermentative activities and qualitative content of microorganisms in the rumen can vary and decrease according to the diet and stressing situations as well. In the modern agriculture, cattle are constantly submitted to stressing factors as for example frequent management in the barn, vaccinations, identification, castration, contention, artificial insemination, confinement, and so on. Therefore, it can be concluded that depression in rumen microbiota, resulting from stress, will reduce feed digestibility, vitamin synthesis, resulting in growth and milk production.

Because increase of genetic potential of the animals it becomes more and more necessary the development of diets with greater genetic and protein content jointed with adequacy of fibrous fraction, which is important in rumen health. Therefore, the inclusion of grains into the diet favors growth of bacteria as *Streptococcus bovis*, which is lactate producer, causing reduction in the rumen pH. Submitting cattle to diet with high percentage of concentrate

The Benefits of Probiotics in Human and Animal Nutrition 89

alternative in this phase because it favors improvement of digestive tract conditions by action on beneficial microbiota able to improve sanitary and physiologic status of the animal. Michelan et al. (2002) used probiotic Calsporin® (based upon endospores of *Bacillus subtilis*) for growing rabbits, evaluating digestibility of diets and their intestinal morphometry. The presence of probiotic did not influence nutrient digestibility neither morphometric traits of jejune. Hollister et al. (1989) observed an improvement in apparent feed conversion, in addition to mortality reduction caused by enteritis in growing rabbits supplemented with Lacto-Sacc® (probiotic constituted by *Lactobacillus acidophilus*, *Streptococcus faecium*, *Saccharomyces cerevisae*, and fermentation residues of *Aspergillus orizae* and *Aspergillus niger*). Moreover, the use of Lacto-Sacc® improved crude fiber digestibility (Yamani et al., 1992) by weaned White New Zealand rabbits. However, Lambertini et al. (1990) did not observe any influence of probiotic composed of *Bacillus subtilis* on the

According to Frape (1998), the use of probiotics stimulates intestinal biota growth and improves digestibility of crude fiber and crude protein. The main sources of fiber on composition of diets for equines are grass or legume hays. Legume hays normally presented greater nutritional value when compared to grass hay, however, they are more expensive and more difficult to be produced. So, the use of probiotics increases efficiency of grass hay use. But, results from the use of probiotics with this aim are not conclusive, yet. Morgan et al. (2007), evaluating addition of yeast in low and high quality Russel Bermuda grass hay diets observed an increase in crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibility only in the low quality diets, although neutral detergent fiber digestibility had not presented improvement. Likewise, Hill et al. (2006) observed increase in crude protein apparent digestibility for equines fed diets with high proportion of roughage:concentrate (80:20) supplemented with yeast. Increase in crude protein digestibility may be due to microbial activity in the large intestine which favored nitrogen compounds digestibility. By contrasting with those results, Moura et al. (2009) did not observe any improvement in total dry matter digestibility in foal fed grass and concentrate, yeast supplemented. Moore & Newman (1993), supplementing foals with yeast, observed maintenance of the highest values of pH in the large intestine. According to these authors, reduction in pH below 6.5 affect cellulose bacteria therefore it affects fiber digestion and help to prevent colic and

The use of yeast in diets for mare during gestation and lactation resulted in greater contents of crude protein, sugar, total lipids and proteins in the milk, and beneficial effects were also

Kosaza (1989) reports that in cases of acute diarrhea in dogs, treatment with *Bifidobacterium pseudolongum* was positive. Swanson et al. (2002) observed that administration of *Lactobacillus acidophilus* increased digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein. However, Biourgue et al. (1998) observed no improvement regarding digestibility of

performance of growing rabbits.

**3.5.2 Equines** 

laminitis.

**3.5.3 Dogs** 

observed in the foals of those mares (Glade, 1991).

dry matter, protein, lipids and energy.

may result in rumen fermentation detriment. Therefore, addition of products which are able to keep or change rumen fermentation pattern, maintaining animal health, has become an important strategy in the feeding of those animals.

Ruminants have a differential in their digestive organ which confers to them a great capacity of digesting fibrous feedstuff. However, this capacity of converting fibrous feed into meat due to an inadequate feeding management, for example, can be poorly efficient. Thus, nutrition of those animals should search optimization of rumen fermentation, improving nutrient digestibility with a consequent better animal performance.

As it was previously mentioned for other species, positive effect of probiotics in animal nutrition are not always evidenced due to differences in sanitary conditions and different types of diets used as well. However, when this happens, increase in productivity parameters and improvement in the sanitary status are observed (Breul, 1998).

Krehbiel et al. (2003) observed that there was a smaller incidence of diarrhea when feeding bezeras with *Streptococcus* and *Lactobacillus acidophilus*, compared to animals which were not fed probiotic. In the work of Bechman et al., (1977), it was demonstrated that administration of *Lactobacillus acidophilus* for dairy calves improved feed conversion and reduced diarrhea incidence. Zhao et al. (1998) also observed that the possibility of reduction in the detection of *Escherichia coli* in probiotic supplemented animals.

According to Martin (1998), direct supplementation of microbial additive can improve ruminant production up to 8%. By analyzing results from several trials on confinement, Krehbiel et al. (2003) observe an increase in daily weight gain of 2.5 to 5.0% in addition to improving feed efficiency of 2% in animals supplemented with probiotics in the diet.

The use of high concentrate content diets results in increase of disturbances related to rumen fermentation, as for example bloat and acidosis. Mir & Mir (1994) observed that the audition of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* into grain high content diets resulted in less occurrence of acute rumen acidosis in supplemented cattle compared to the control, suggesting that yeast promoted the use of lactate in the rumen. Administration of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* for cattle submitted to a rapid fermentable diet improved daily weight gain in comparison to a diet without yeast (Agazzi et al., 2009) and improved digestion of low quality neutral detergent fiber in ruminants (Sommart et al., 1993).

Regarding to the reproductive system, it is observed that uterine pathologies during puerperal period are responsible for the reduction in reproductive efficiency in cows. Colonization by *Lactobacillus* is considered the first microbiologic barrier against pathogen infection in the genital tract (Ocaña et al., 1999). Thus, addition of those microorganisms as probiotics may improve reproductive efficiency of those animals, either by lactic acid production which reduced vaginal pH or by competition for nutrients and adhesion site in the vaginal epithelium.

#### **3.5 Use of probiotics in other animals**

#### **3.5.1 Rabits**

In rabbits, the occurrence of digestive disorders associated to feeding changes has risen mortality indices in the period close to weaning. So, the use of probiotics has been an alternative in this phase because it favors improvement of digestive tract conditions by action on beneficial microbiota able to improve sanitary and physiologic status of the animal. Michelan et al. (2002) used probiotic Calsporin® (based upon endospores of *Bacillus subtilis*) for growing rabbits, evaluating digestibility of diets and their intestinal morphometry. The presence of probiotic did not influence nutrient digestibility neither morphometric traits of jejune. Hollister et al. (1989) observed an improvement in apparent feed conversion, in addition to mortality reduction caused by enteritis in growing rabbits supplemented with Lacto-Sacc® (probiotic constituted by *Lactobacillus acidophilus*, *Streptococcus faecium*, *Saccharomyces cerevisae*, and fermentation residues of *Aspergillus orizae* and *Aspergillus niger*). Moreover, the use of Lacto-Sacc® improved crude fiber digestibility (Yamani et al., 1992) by weaned White New Zealand rabbits. However, Lambertini et al. (1990) did not observe any influence of probiotic composed of *Bacillus subtilis* on the performance of growing rabbits.

#### **3.5.2 Equines**

88 New Advances in the Basic and Clinical Gastroenterology

may result in rumen fermentation detriment. Therefore, addition of products which are able to keep or change rumen fermentation pattern, maintaining animal health, has become an

Ruminants have a differential in their digestive organ which confers to them a great capacity of digesting fibrous feedstuff. However, this capacity of converting fibrous feed into meat due to an inadequate feeding management, for example, can be poorly efficient. Thus, nutrition of those animals should search optimization of rumen fermentation, improving

As it was previously mentioned for other species, positive effect of probiotics in animal nutrition are not always evidenced due to differences in sanitary conditions and different types of diets used as well. However, when this happens, increase in productivity

Krehbiel et al. (2003) observed that there was a smaller incidence of diarrhea when feeding bezeras with *Streptococcus* and *Lactobacillus acidophilus*, compared to animals which were not fed probiotic. In the work of Bechman et al., (1977), it was demonstrated that administration of *Lactobacillus acidophilus* for dairy calves improved feed conversion and reduced diarrhea incidence. Zhao et al. (1998) also observed that the possibility of reduction in the detection of

According to Martin (1998), direct supplementation of microbial additive can improve ruminant production up to 8%. By analyzing results from several trials on confinement, Krehbiel et al. (2003) observe an increase in daily weight gain of 2.5 to 5.0% in addition to

The use of high concentrate content diets results in increase of disturbances related to rumen fermentation, as for example bloat and acidosis. Mir & Mir (1994) observed that the audition of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* into grain high content diets resulted in less occurrence of acute rumen acidosis in supplemented cattle compared to the control, suggesting that yeast promoted the use of lactate in the rumen. Administration of *Saccharomyces cerevisiae* for cattle submitted to a rapid fermentable diet improved daily weight gain in comparison to a diet without yeast (Agazzi et al., 2009) and improved digestion of low quality neutral

Regarding to the reproductive system, it is observed that uterine pathologies during puerperal period are responsible for the reduction in reproductive efficiency in cows. Colonization by *Lactobacillus* is considered the first microbiologic barrier against pathogen infection in the genital tract (Ocaña et al., 1999). Thus, addition of those microorganisms as probiotics may improve reproductive efficiency of those animals, either by lactic acid production which reduced vaginal pH or by competition for nutrients and adhesion site in

In rabbits, the occurrence of digestive disorders associated to feeding changes has risen mortality indices in the period close to weaning. So, the use of probiotics has been an

improving feed efficiency of 2% in animals supplemented with probiotics in the diet.

important strategy in the feeding of those animals.

*Escherichia coli* in probiotic supplemented animals.

detergent fiber in ruminants (Sommart et al., 1993).

the vaginal epithelium.

**3.5.1 Rabits** 

**3.5 Use of probiotics in other animals** 

nutrient digestibility with a consequent better animal performance.

parameters and improvement in the sanitary status are observed (Breul, 1998).

According to Frape (1998), the use of probiotics stimulates intestinal biota growth and improves digestibility of crude fiber and crude protein. The main sources of fiber on composition of diets for equines are grass or legume hays. Legume hays normally presented greater nutritional value when compared to grass hay, however, they are more expensive and more difficult to be produced. So, the use of probiotics increases efficiency of grass hay use. But, results from the use of probiotics with this aim are not conclusive, yet. Morgan et al. (2007), evaluating addition of yeast in low and high quality Russel Bermuda grass hay diets observed an increase in crude protein and neutral detergent fiber digestibility only in the low quality diets, although neutral detergent fiber digestibility had not presented improvement. Likewise, Hill et al. (2006) observed increase in crude protein apparent digestibility for equines fed diets with high proportion of roughage:concentrate (80:20) supplemented with yeast. Increase in crude protein digestibility may be due to microbial activity in the large intestine which favored nitrogen compounds digestibility. By contrasting with those results, Moura et al. (2009) did not observe any improvement in total dry matter digestibility in foal fed grass and concentrate, yeast supplemented. Moore & Newman (1993), supplementing foals with yeast, observed maintenance of the highest values of pH in the large intestine. According to these authors, reduction in pH below 6.5 affect cellulose bacteria therefore it affects fiber digestion and help to prevent colic and laminitis.

The use of yeast in diets for mare during gestation and lactation resulted in greater contents of crude protein, sugar, total lipids and proteins in the milk, and beneficial effects were also observed in the foals of those mares (Glade, 1991).

#### **3.5.3 Dogs**

Kosaza (1989) reports that in cases of acute diarrhea in dogs, treatment with *Bifidobacterium pseudolongum* was positive. Swanson et al. (2002) observed that administration of *Lactobacillus acidophilus* increased digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein. However, Biourgue et al. (1998) observed no improvement regarding digestibility of dry matter, protein, lipids and energy.

The Benefits of Probiotics in Human and Animal Nutrition 91

Biourge, V., Vallet, C., Levesque, A., Sergheraert, R., Chevalier, S. & Roberton, J. (1998). The

Bonnemaison, E., Lanotte, P., Cantagrel, S., Thionois, S., Quentin, R., Chamboux, C. &

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