Minireview: recent updates on the use of probiotics in livestock

The application of probiotics in both human and animal continues to expand rapidly. Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the use of probiotics as feed supplements in livestock production. The use of probiotics in young animals has been recognised since 1990s, particularly in dairy cattle. More recently, advanced analytical techniques have enabled deeper investigation into the benefits of probiotic supplementation, especially in milk replacers for neonatal animals. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) especially Lactobacillus spp., Bacillus spp. and Saccharomyces spp., which can enhance immune function of gastrointestinal and respiratory systems, are among the most widely used probiotics in young livestock. This minireview focuses on probiotic applications in cattle, sheep and pigs, highlighting recent studies and various probiotic combinations used to improve animal health and productivity.