Anti-Inflammatory potential of lactic acid bacteria for dairy cows during the periparturient period

The prevalence of inflammatory diseases in peripartum dairy cows is associated with changes in bovine immune responses. Although antibiotics can treat related inflammatory diseases, their prominent issues such as antibiotic resistance are significant reasons limiting their use. The supplementation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) has been shown to offer anti-inflammatory benefits, yet its efficacy varies with species and strain specificity. This review delineates the common types of inflammation and their triggers in peripartum dairy cows and scrutinizes case studies involving LAB application, specifying the LAB strains, dosages, and administration methods. It then elucidates various anti-inflammatory pathways and potential mechanisms of LAB, acknowledging that many insights are derived from non-bovine models, which poses a limitation in directly extrapolating findings to dairy cattle. The review suggests future research directions, such as strain screening, genetic engineering, dosage optimization, delivery methods, and mechanistic elucidation, to enhance the understanding of LAB's role in inducing pathogen resistance, enhancing intestinal barriers, and modulating immunity in peripartum dairy cows. This comprehensive overview aims to improve health outcomes by providing a more nuanced view of how LAB can support dairy cow health, with a caveat regarding the reliance on non-bovine studies.