Scientists are excited about new products called postbiotics and parabiotics that could help keep farm animals and pets healthy. Unlike regular probiotics (live bacteria), these new products are made from dead bacteria or their byproducts, but they still help animals’ digestive systems work better, boost their immune systems, and reduce inflammation. This review looks at how these products are already being used in livestock, poultry, and pets around the world, and why they might be a safer alternative to antibiotics as bacteria become resistant to medicines.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How postbiotics and parabiotics (new types of gut-health products made from bacteria) are being used in veterinary medicine and what benefits they provide to different animals
  • Who participated: This was a review article that examined existing research and commercial products rather than conducting a new experiment with animals
  • Key finding: Postbiotics and parabiotics show promise in improving gut health, strengthening immune systems, reducing inflammation, and potentially replacing antibiotics in farm animals and pets
  • What it means for you: If you own livestock, poultry, or pets, these products may become more available as alternatives to antibiotics, though more research is still needed to understand all their benefits and best uses

The Research Details

This study is a market overview and review article, which means the researchers looked at existing research, commercial products, and current uses of postbiotics and parabiotics rather than conducting their own experiment. They examined how these products are manufactured, what they’re made from, and how they’re currently being used in different types of animals including cows, chickens, sheep, horses, and pets.

Postbiotics are substances made from dead bacteria or the byproducts that bacteria create. Parabiotics are similar but may include inactivated (killed) whole bacteria. Think of them like the beneficial parts of probiotics (live bacteria) but without the living organisms themselves. The researchers gathered information from the commercial market to understand what products exist and how they’re being used.

This type of review is important because it helps us understand what’s already happening in the real world with these products. Rather than just looking at laboratory studies, the researchers examined actual commercial products being sold and used by farmers and pet owners. This gives us a practical picture of whether these products are working in real-life situations and where they might be most helpful.

This is a review article that summarizes existing information rather than original research. The findings depend on the quality of the studies and products it reviewed. Since this is a market overview, it provides a broad picture but doesn’t give us the detailed scientific proof that a controlled experiment would. The information is current as of 2025 and focuses on commercial applications, which is useful for understanding what’s available now.

What the Results Show

Postbiotics and parabiotics are already being used commercially in livestock (cattle and sheep), poultry (chickens), horses, and pet animals. These products appear to help animals in several ways: they improve gut health by supporting beneficial bacteria, they strengthen the immune system to help animals fight off illness, they reduce inflammation in the digestive system, and they help reduce stress in animals.

One of the most exciting findings is that these products may help reduce the need for antibiotics in farm animals. This is important because bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics, making them less effective as medicines. By using postbiotics and parabiotics instead, farmers might be able to keep animals healthy without contributing to this resistance problem.

The products also showed antimicrobial properties (ability to fight harmful bacteria), anti-inflammatory effects (reducing swelling and irritation), antioxidant benefits (protecting cells from damage), and even some potential anticancer properties in laboratory studies. Different animal species seem to benefit from these products in different ways.

The research found that postbiotics and parabiotics offer advantages over traditional live probiotics. Live probiotics can sometimes be unstable, may not survive in the animal’s digestive system, and can occasionally cause problems. Postbiotics and parabiotics don’t have these issues because they’re not living organisms. They appear to be safer and more stable, which makes them easier to manufacture and store. The products can be added to animal feed or used as dietary supplements, making them practical for large-scale farming operations.

This review builds on growing interest in alternatives to antibiotics in animal agriculture. Previous research has shown that probiotics (live bacteria) can help animals, but they have limitations. Postbiotics and parabiotics represent the next generation of these products, addressing some of the problems with live probiotics while maintaining or improving their benefits. The market for these products is growing, suggesting that farmers and pet owners are finding them useful.

This is a review article rather than original research, so it depends on the quality of studies it examined. The review doesn’t provide detailed statistical evidence from controlled experiments. Since it’s a market overview, it focuses on what’s being sold commercially rather than what might work best scientifically. More rigorous research is needed to understand exactly how effective these products are, what doses work best, and which animals benefit most. The long-term effects of using these products haven’t been fully studied yet.

The Bottom Line

Based on this review, postbiotics and parabiotics appear to be promising alternatives to antibiotics for keeping farm animals and pets healthy (moderate confidence level). They may be particularly useful for improving gut health and immune function. However, more research is needed before making strong recommendations. If you’re considering using these products, consult with a veterinarian who can advise based on your specific animals and situation.

Farmers and ranchers raising livestock, poultry producers, horse owners, and pet owners should be aware of these products as potential health tools. Veterinarians should stay informed about this emerging field. People concerned about antibiotic resistance in agriculture should find this development encouraging. However, these products shouldn’t replace veterinary care when animals are seriously ill.

Benefits like improved gut health and immune function may appear within weeks to a few months of regular use, though this varies by animal and product. Long-term benefits for overall animal health and production may take several months to become apparent. More research is needed to establish realistic timelines for different applications.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using postbiotics or parabiotics for your animals, track weekly observations such as: animal energy levels (1-10 scale), digestive health indicators (stool quality, appetite), visible health markers (coat condition, weight), and any illness or antibiotic use needed
  • Start by consulting your veterinarian about whether postbiotics or parabiotics are appropriate for your animals. If recommended, introduce the product gradually according to package directions and monitor your animals’ response over 4-8 weeks
  • Create a simple monthly health scorecard for your animals noting overall wellness, digestive health, immune function (illness frequency), and production metrics (milk production, egg laying, weight gain). Compare scores before and after introducing these products to see if you notice improvements

This article reviews research about postbiotics and parabiotics in veterinary medicine and is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian before starting any new health products or supplements for your animals. The effectiveness and safety of postbiotics and parabiotics may vary depending on the specific product, animal species, and individual circumstances. This review summarizes existing research and commercial applications but does not constitute medical advice or endorsement of specific products.