7,9 Probiotics for pigs

7 In 1907 Metchnikoff hypothesised that micro-organisms in fermented milk products affected longevity among humans. In the 1960s the term probiotic was introduced for live micro-organisms that, as food or feed supplements, beneficially affect the intestinal microbial balance of humans or animals. Starting in the 1980s the probiotic concept in animal nutrition developed from a novel concept to proven solutions and provides new means to improve animal production. Nevertheless, pig producers expect products with reliable and consistent effects and probiotics are no exception. The constraining regulatory environment in the European Union has substantially influenced the development of a new generation of probiotics that can fullfil the most constraining feed additive legislation in the world. Well documented and reliable products gain dominance in Europe and show the future landscape of probiotic feed additives worldwide. This article looks at the drivers behind the development of in-feed probiotics for pigs and the requirements that have to be fullfilled before a probiotic is ready to be launched as a feed additive.