Postbiotics, a natural feed additive for growth performance, gut microbiota and quality of poultry products

Abstract

Implementing global strategies for sustainable poultry production is imperative, considering the continuous growth of the human population and the subsequent rise in demand for poultry products, which must be fully safe for future consumers. Identifying and implementing safe, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternatives such as postbiotics have become imperative in sustainable poultry farming. This is primarily due to the increasing apprehensions surrounding antimicrobial resistance, the need to minimise or eliminate the use of antibiotic growth promoters, and the growing consumer preference for products that are free from chemicals and antibiotics. Postbiotics refer to bioactive compounds that are synthesised by lactic acid bacteria during the process of metabolising prebiotics. These compounds, also known as biogenics or metabolites, are soluble factors that offer notable health benefits. This concept is a recent development in the field of animal nutrition. Postbiotics possess modes of action and capabilities similar to probiotics, albeit lacking live cells, owing to the presence of probiotic secondary metabolites. These encompass several pharmacologically active compounds that positively influence the performance and quality of poultry products. This article examines the concept, impact and approaches associated with using an innovative solution such as postbiotics in the context of sustainable poultry production.