Date: 06/02/2025

The intestinal microbiome is considered a complex ecosystem of microorganisms that directly influence digestion, nutrient absorption, and immunity, playing a crucial role in maintaining a balanced intestinal environment. In many cases, factors such as diet, management, and environment can significantly impact its composition, making it an essential topic for those looking to optimize results in animal production systems. In this content, we will explore the importance of the intestinal microbiome, precautions against imbalances, and how advanced nutritional strategies can enhance animal health and performance.

Topics:

The role of the microbiome in metabolism, nutrient absorption, and pathogen defense

The microbiota refers to the microorganisms present in environments such as the intestine, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. This microbial population colonizes specific sites and interacts with the host organism, while the microbiome refers to the collective genetic material of these microorganisms and their functions within the environment.

In the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of pigs, as in humans, the microbiota plays a fundamental role in metabolism by helping to break down complex compounds such as fibers and polysaccharides through fermentation, releasing short-chain fatty acids that are used as a source of energy by the host. In addition, the microbiota contributes to the absorption of nutrients, synthesizing B and K vitamins and improving the bioavailability of essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

The microorganisms present in the intestine play essential roles in supporting the nutritional, physiological, and immunological activities of animals, contributing to the balance and functionality of the organism (Lee e Mazmanian, 2010; Brestoff e Artis, 2013).

In terms of defense against pathogens, the intestinal microbiota acts as a natural barrier, competing for nutrients and space with pathogenic microorganisms, as well as stimulating the production of mucus and antimicrobial peptides by the intestinal mucosa. On the other hand, various factors, such as diet, age, stress and environment, directly influence the diversity, composition and function of this intestinal microbial community, impacting on animal health and performance

Imbalances in the intestinal microbiome and their effects on productivity

This community of beneficial microorganisms regulates digestion, protects against pathogens, and promotes the efficient absorption of nutrients. However, several factors can disrupt this balance, leading to significant metabolic and productivity losses.

Among the most common causes of imbalance are intestinal mucosal injuries, villous deformities, nutritional deficiencies, and stress, which ultimately compromise the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This weakening creates opportunities for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms, leading to inflammation and hindering feed efficiency (Guamán et al., 2017).

In intensive production systems, such as poultry and swine farming, these imbalances can result in significant economic losses due to reduced weight gain, increased susceptibility to infections, and higher mortality rates.

Probiotics and prebiotics in the modulation of the intestinal microbiota

Intestinal health is crucial for the performance of production animals, and probiotics and prebiotics play a central role in this context.

According to analyses (Reid et al, 2003), probiotics are defined as live microorganisms that, when consumed in appropriate concentrations, provide significant health benefits to the host. They regulate the intestinal microbiota by producing antimicrobial substances, competing for binding sites, and stimulating the immune system.

As described by Gibson & Roberfroid, prebiotics are non-digestible food components that benefit the host organism by selectively stimulating the growth and function of specific beneficial bacteria in the intestine, thus improving gut health. The application of prebiotics promotes the selective growth of beneficial bacteria, enhances the integrity of intestinal cells, and inhibits pathogen adhesion to the intestinal mucosa. This action contributes to the formation of a protective barrier, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal infections and optimizing nutrient absorption.

Furthermore, prebiotics have emerged as a natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in animals, contributing to more efficient digestion, increased weight gain, and improved feed conversion rates without the side effects associated with antibiotic use.

Nutritional solutions to optimize intestinal health and performance

Maintaining a healthy and functional microbiota is a key goal of nutritional strategies aimed at production animals. Understanding the challenges that microbiome imbalance can cause, the application of functional ingredients such as hydrolyzed proteins offers practical and effective solutions to overcome these barriers.

The Hydrolyzed Proteins available in the BioActio portfolio are formulated to facilitate digestion and provide rapid energy, helping to maintain gut health by promoting a more stable environment conducive to animal growth. Additionally, these compounds contribute to strengthening the immune system, enhancing pathogen resistance, and reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases.

Studies conducted in partnership with the Universidade do Oeste do Paraná (UNIOESTE) reinforce the efficiency of BioActio Health & Performance as a technical solution to boost productivity in aquaculture. Research evaluating its inclusion in tilapia diets demonstrated significant improvements in survival and feed conversion rates. During the post-larval phase, a survival rate increase of over 12% was observed, highlighting the product's positive impact on the animals' resistance to environmental and health challenges. Furthermore, results indicated an improvement of more than 39% in feed conversion in juvenile fish.

Final considerations

Understanding the role of the gut microbiome in production animals goes beyond optimizing productive performance; it involves adopting an integrated approach that combines scientific advancements, precision nutrition, and sustainable practices. The balance of this microbiota directly influences health, feed efficiency, and overall development quality, reaffirming its strategic importance in the animal production sector.

Nutritional solutions based on scientific research, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and hydrolyzed proteins, have shown promising results in restoring microbiota balance, optimizing feed conversion, and enhancing pathogen resistance.

By leveraging research and applying targeted nutritional technologies, the animal production sector improves productivity rates and contributes to more effective and responsible technical practices. This approach, aligned with global market demands, underscores the relevance of gut balance as a key factor for a more competitive and sustainable animal production

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