Probiotics might be one of the solutions in reducing the effects of the recent ban on antimicrobial growth promoters (ACPs) in feed. However, the mode of action of probiotics is still not fully understood. How is the microflora in chickens being developed, and in what way can probiotics influence this and, in return, have an effect on feed efficiency? Probiotics are used to influence the microbial flora in the gut and are usually defined as live microbial feed supplements that have a beneficial effect on the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance. However, this definition does not clarify how probiotics may be beneficial to the host animal. Is it about improvement of health? But, how do we define health? Are probiotics meant to reduce pathogens and subsequently improve the bacterial quality of the carcass after slaughter, or is it about improving the utilisation of feed?
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