Il ruolo del microbiota gastro-intestinale sullo stato di salute e sulla produttività della bovina da latte

Abstract

The gastrointestinal microbiota is the complex microbial ecosystem residing within the digestive system. It consists of the set of microorganisms comprising bacteria, protozoa and fungi, qualified according to the survival of the host individual, performing essential functions in the metabolic, physiologic and immune fields. A breakdown in the balance of this ecosystem causes negative repercussions on the animal's health: deadly neonatal enteritis can occur in the calf, while in adults the uncontrolled proliferation of some microorganisms can lead to rumen acidosis and septicemia. The non-optimal state of greeting negatively affects productivity, with the consequent reductions in weight gain and milk production. For the prevention of potential dismicrobisms, the correct intake of colostrum and milk of good quality and free of contamination is necessary in the calf, while in adults the balance in the food ration is essential. The inappropriate use of antibiotics is implicit in the alterations of the microflora, in addition to the formation of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains. Probiotics and prebiotics contribute to restoring the normal microbiota, consequently improving the animal's greeting and productivity and representing a valid alternative to the use of antibiotics.