Several factors such as changes in feeding practices, imbalanced diet (e.g. excess protein in pigs or starch in ruminants), stress (e.g. thermal, weaning, transport, regrouping, overcrowding and poor management and hygiene conditions) can result in an impairment of the GIT microbiome. This in turn impacts, often negatively, the functionality of the host’s local defense system. Therefore a normal, stable and diverse GIT microbiota, as well as an intact and effective GIT barrier, are required to maintain gut health. The intestinal microbiota contributes to several physiological functions such as digestion and absorption, regulation of energy homeostasis, prevention of mucosal infections and modulation of the immune system. The GIT microbiota prevents colonization by potentially pathogenic microorganisms, provides energy for the GIT wall from undigested nutrients and regulates the mucosal immune system by means of immune stimulators. A crucial role of the microbiota is the maintenance of the GIT barrier integrity and functionality.

The microbiota composition and the metabolites produced by the bacteria are vital for the maintenance of optimal gut health. In young animals the microbiota composition and its diversity can be influenced by environmental and management factors as it develops over time before reaching equilibrium in adult animals. The absence of specific bacterial families can result in a decrease in anti-inflammatory and metabolites such as butyrate, an organic acid responsible for providing the right levels of energy to the GIT. Consequently, dietary manipulation of the GIT microbiota composition represents an attractive tool to prevent gut health issues and to promote animal performance. Nutritional interventions should be designed to promote conditions in the GIT that would create and maintain a balance between the host and the GIT microbiota,and prevent disturbance of the structure and function of the GIT. Therefore a critical question that needs to be answered in order to advance our understanding of intestinal ecology is “what are the factors that influence the development of the GIT microbiota in farm animals”?

Enhalor yeast culture products are produced using a proprietary, anaerobic fermentation technology that creates unique microbial-derived metabolites. These functional metabolites are biologically active compounds that provide research-proven digestive and immune health effects.