Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: A key area of research is the role played by the gut microbiota in the health of sheep during the early period of life; consequently, understanding its complexity may have significant implications for sheep farming. While factors such as diet, age, health status, and environmental conditions are crucial for determining the composition of the gut microbiota, there are very few summaries on the gut microbiota in early life and only a limited number of reviews considering the gut microbiota in adult (sheep) life. Accordingly, after a brief introduction to the generic qualitative and quantitative composition of the gut microbiota in sheep, this review focuses on its development in early life, with primary attention given to the rumen. It then provides an overview of factors that may modulate the microbiota, with a particular focus on prebiotics, probiotics, and synbiotics. The optimisation of these processes in sheep may enhance digestibility, immunity, and overall production efficiency. The review also highlights key challenges associated with the adoption of management strategies based on the integration of microbial approaches in modern livestock systems with the aim of enhancing animal welfare, sustainability, and production efficiency.
Source: Animals
DOI: 10.3390/ani16010080
Institution: University of Foggia
Language: English
Subfield: Agronomy and Crop Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,896
Funder: European Commission
Award: G1000454745
OpenAlex ID: W7117485047