Probiotic Feed Supplements

The use of AAAs as feed supplements appears an attractive approach either in itself or in combination with pro-, pre- and synbiotics, but the lack of animal feeding studies in which the efficacy of this approach could be determined makes it difficult to assess to what extent a two-barrier (targeting control at both the stomach and intestinal level) approach is commercially feasible. Also, since the viability of probiotics may also be affected by the use of AAA to increase the disinfection activity of the stomach, probiotics may need to be formulated in a way that protects them during stomach transfer. However, its potential should be determined in future research. 

A move away from antibiotics has therefore started. Bans and restrictions on antibiotics in animal feed have been implemented in many countries, while consumer demand for meat produced without the use of growth promoters has risen. However, there is a problem effective alternatives to antibiotics have been slow in reaching the market. Probiotic food supplements are seen as one solution to this problem (Flickinger et al., 2003). 

The functionality and therefore definition of a probiotic is largely dependent on the animal production system in which it will be used. Fuller s widely cited definition of a probiotic as a live microbial feed supplement which beneficially affects the host animal by improving its intestinal balance (Fuller, 1989) is too narrow for aquaculture production systems because aquatic animals are intimately associated with their ambient environment. Hence, microbial-induced improvements to the host ectobiota or host external environments may also be considered probiotic (Verschuere et al, 2000). In their review, Irianto and Austin (2002) defined an aquaculture probiont as an entire or component(s) of a microorganism that is beneficial to the health of the host . This all-encapsulating definition includes probiotic action on both internal and external environments, and introduces the prospect of microbial components, such as peptidoglycan and lipopoly-saccharides, acting as immunostimulants (Smith et aL, 2003). 

Probiotics were originally defined in 1965 (Lilly and Stillwell, 1965), however have undergone several revisions. A more recent definition is a live microbial feed supplement that beneficially affects the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance, (Fuller 1989). However the currently accepted version is, Probiotics are live microorganisms, which when administered in adequate amounts confer a health benefit on the host, (FAO 2001). 

More recently, work of Scharek et al. (2005) has shown that supplementing the feed of pregnant sows and piglets with a probiotic strain of E. faecium produces an immune-stimulatory effect. Also, Davis et al. (2006) described... 

Bilgili S.E and Moran E.T.J. (1990). Influence of whey and probiotic-supplemented withdrawal feed on the retention of Salmonella intubated into market age broilers . 

In the first clinical demonstration of specific probiotic strains modifying the changes related to allergic inflammation (i.e. tertiary prevention), a randomised double-blind controlled trial was carried out in Finland. A small number of infants who manifested atopic eczema while exclusively breast-feeding were weaned to probiotic supplemented Bifidobacterium lactis or Lactobacillus) extensively hydrolysed whey formulas, or to the same formula without probiotics. A significant improvement in skin condition occurred in patients given probiotic-supplemented formulas. The concentration of soluble CD4 in serum and eosinophilic protein X in urine were reduced, indicating that probiotics may counteract inflammatory responses beyond the intestinal milieu [186(Ib)]. 

Enteral feedings may also prevent infection by decreasing translocation of bacteria across the gut wall. Preliminary data suggest that probiotics such as lactobacillus (along with a fiber supplement) may reduce bacterial translocation and possibly decrease pancreatic necrosis and abscess. If enteral feeding is not possible, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) should be implemented before protein and calorie depletion becomes advanced. Intravenous lipids should not be withheld unless the serum triglyceride concentration is greater than 500 mg/dL. At present, there is no clear evidence that nutritional support alters outcome in most patients with AP unless malnutrition exists. ... 

Probiotics are live microbial supplements that have a beneficial effect on the body by improving the intestinal microbial balance, and stimulate the metabolism and immune processes. Probiotics are widely used in mixed feed for fish [6-9]. In themselves, probiotics do not provide a significant amount of nutrients for producing more products. But their biological potential improves fish health, enhances productivity levels, and better use of feed. 

Owing to the possibihty of manipulating the intestinal microbiota at these earliest life stages, the larval development stage is the best at which to apply probiotic treatment. Microorganisms can be supplemented to the feed for the larvae, with the aim of including chosen bacterial species in the gut community. 

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