IMPLICATIONS FOR THE POULTRY INDUSTRY

The use of probiotics in poultry plays a strategic role in the modern livestock industry, particularly in efforts to reduce or replace AGP use [37]. Probiotics can improve digestive health, modulate the immune system, and suppress pathogen growth, thus providing a safe, natural alternative to AGPs [286]. By implementing probiotics, farmers can maintain or even improve poultry production performance, including body weight, feed conversion efficiency, and product quality, without the risk of antibiotic residues in meat or eggs [21]. In several structured AGP replacement programs, probiotics have been incorporated as part of integrated health management systems combining improved biosecurity, optimized nutrition, and vaccination, enabling gradual reduction of in-feed antibiotics while maintaining performance and flock stability.