Review: Potential role of probiotics in health and productivity of milch animals and milk composition Patel Hirai Kumari1, Sreeja Y.1,*, Rani Y. Durgga2, Kiran S.1 1SMC College of Dairy Science, Kamdhenu University, Anand, Gujarat, India 2College of Velerinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Navsari, Gujarat, India *Correspondence: sreeja.mudgal@kamdhenuuni.edu.in
Online published on 28 December, 2023. Abstract Milch animals arc a source ofnutrition and disposable income for disadvantaged and marginal famlers in developing countries. In addition, these animals provide draught power and manure for usc as fuel and fertilizer. In spite of these benefits, there are certain major public health issues. These include development ofAnti-microbial Resistance (AMR) among milch animals owing to the wide use ofantibiotics in the treatmelll of sick animals, unrestricted access ofdrugs to farmers and lack of knowledge about antibiotic withdrawal periods. Moreover, failure to observe drug withdrawal periods results in comamination ofthe milk and milk products. Further, some of the foodborne zoonotic diseases like mastitis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection, among othcrs, arc serious public health concerns around the world and can cause serious economic loss. Probiotics, the beneficial microbes arc reported to playa crucial role in in maintaining rumen micronora homeostasis, which in tum can improve milch animal health, feed digestion and nutrient absorption, prevent animal diseases, improve milk productivity and milk quality. Further probiotic contai ning feed supplements arc finding application to improve animal health and productivity in the dairy industry. In the context of these as well as the potential role ofthe microbial ecology ofthe gastro-intestinal tract in detemlining milch animal productivity, probiotics are being increasingly used in animal nutrition. Top Keywords Direct-Fed Mierobials, Growth, Milch animal, Probioties, Rumen Mierobiota. Top |