ABSTRACT
The principal bacterial genera applied as probiotics for nonruminant animals are Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Bacillus. Generally, those species isolated from intestinal contents or faecal materials are the most effective. Yeastbased probiotics do not appear to provide significant benefits to the intestinal function of the pig, although there are indications that yeasts may have some influence on microbial fermentation in the caeca of hens. Overall, the application of probiotics in the nonruminant has proved effective in improving intestinal health, although the response of individual animals can be variable. Improvements in growth are highly variable and probably occur as a consequence of improved intestinal efficiency.
