Organic probiotics
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Organic Probiotics: Benefits and Applications
Introduction to Organic Probiotics
Organic probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer health benefits to the host. These probiotics are often combined with organic acids to enhance their efficacy. This article explores the impact of organic probiotics on various aspects of health and performance in different organisms, including broiler chickens, fermented goat milk, and aquaculture.
Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility in Broiler Chickens
Impact on Growth Performance
Studies have shown that the inclusion of organic acids and probiotics in the diet of broiler chickens does not significantly affect their feed intake, body weight gain, or feed conversion ratio . However, the combination of these supplements can improve the digestibility of crude fiber, which is crucial for nutrient absorption and overall health .
Enhancement of Intestinal Health
The combination of organic acids and probiotics has been found to significantly increase the height of duodenal villi and the depth of crypts in the intestines of broiler chickens. This improvement in intestinal morphology is associated with better nutrient absorption and a healthier gut environment . Additionally, this combination dramatically improves gut microflora by decreasing the population of harmful Escherichia coli and increasing the beneficial Lactobacillus spp.:E. coli ratio .
Immune Response and Antioxidative Status
Boosting Immune Function
The supplementation of probiotics and organic acids in broiler diets has been shown to enhance both humoral and cell-mediated immune responses. Probiotics, particularly Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis, increase plasma glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) concentration, which is a marker of antioxidative status . Organic acids also contribute to improved immune responses, making the combination of these supplements beneficial for overall health .
Reduction of Pathogenic Bacteria
The addition of probiotics and organic acids reduces the total bacterial count in broiler meat, including the elimination of Salmonella. This indicates that these supplements can improve meat safety and quality by reducing the presence of harmful bacteria .
Probiotics in Fermented Goat Milk
Improvement of Fermentation Characteristics
The addition of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis Probio-M8 to goat milk significantly enhances the fermentation process. This probiotic decreases fermentation time and increases the content of functional organic acids, such as acetic acid, and beneficial long-chain unsaturated fatty acids . These changes improve the nutritional profile of the fermented milk.
Sensory and Storage Properties
Probio-M8 also improves the sensory properties of fermented goat milk by reducing the "goaty" flavor and odor, making it more palatable. The probiotic maintains its viability during storage, ensuring that the health benefits are retained over time .
Potential Probiotic Yeasts
Exploration of New Yeast Strains
Recent research has focused on isolating and characterizing new yeast strains from natural environments and spontaneously processed foods. Yeast species such as Lachancea thermotolerans, Metschnikowia ziziphicola, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Torulaspora delbrueckii have shown promising probiotic characteristics . These strains could serve as alternatives or complements to the well-known probiotic yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii .
Probiotics in Aquaculture
Disease Control and Nutritional Benefits
In aquaculture, probiotics are used to control diseases and improve the health of aquatic organisms. Various microorganisms, including microalgae, yeasts, and bacteria, have been evaluated for their probiotic potential. These probiotics can inhibit the colonization of pathogens in the digestive tract, stimulate appetite, and improve nutrition by producing vitamins and breaking down indigestible components . The use of probiotics in aquaculture has shown effectiveness in inhibiting a wide range of fish pathogens, contributing to healthier and more sustainable aquaculture practices .
Conclusion
Organic probiotics offer a wide range of benefits across different applications, from improving growth performance and gut health in broiler chickens to enhancing the sensory and nutritional properties of fermented goat milk. The exploration of new probiotic strains and their application in aquaculture further highlights the potential of these microorganisms in promoting health and sustainability. The combination of probiotics with organic acids appears to be particularly effective, providing a synergistic approach to improving overall health and performance.
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