Role of Microbial Immunomodulators in boosting livestock Productivity in the face of Climate Change

Ruchi Tiwari¹ Shruti Kawthekar² and Sharad Kumar Yadav³

Assistant Professor¹, M.V.Sc. scholar²,Department of Vet. Microbiology, CoVS & AH, DUVASU, Mathura, UP; Vice Chancellor³ Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Patna, Bihar

Incorporating microbial immunomodulators into bovine management practices can enhance productivity by improving health, resilience, and efficiency, making them a valuable tool in adapting to the challenges posed by climate change. These compounds play a crucial role in improving livestock productivity and overall wellbeing.

Introduction: Immunomodulators can play a significant role in enhancing cattle productivity; especially microbial immunomodulators are becoming gradually more important in enhancing productivity of cows and buffaloes, particularly amid the challenges posed by climate change and global warming.

The concept of microbiological immunomodulators emerged in the mid-20^th century as scientists began exploring the relationship between microorganisms and immune responses. Initial research focused on probiotics and their effects on gut health, leading to a broader understanding of microbial influence on immunity. Over the years, advancements in biotechnology have allowed for the identification and development of specific microbial strains with immunomodulatory properties. By the 1990s, these substances were increasingly recognized for their potential in agriculture and veterinary medicine. Today, they are used to enhance livestock health and productivity while reducing reliance on antibiotics. The ongoing research continues to unveil new applications and benefits in various farming practices.

What are microbiological immunomodulators: Microbiological immunomodulators are substances derived from microorganisms that can influence and enhance the immune response in animals. They help modulate immune function, promoting health and resilience against diseases. These microbiological immunomodulators can improve the health and productivity of cattle, especially in challenging environmental conditions. Microbiological Immunomodulators include-

1. Probiotics

• Lactobacillus spp.: These beneficial bacteria can improve gut health and enhance immune responses.
• Bifidobacterium spp.: Known for supporting digestive health and boosting immunity.

2. Prebiotics

• Inulin and Oligofructose: These substances promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, enhancing immune function and overall health.

3. Fermented Feed Additives

• Yeast Cultures: Such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which can improve gut health, nutrient absorption and immune responses.

4. Endotoxins from Probiotic Bacteria

• Lipopolysaccharides (LPS): Derived from certain bacteria, can stimulate the immune system and enhance its response to pathogens.

5. Bacteriophages

• Specific Bacteriophage Preparations: These can target and reduce harmful bacteria in the gut, thereby supporting a healthier microbiome and improved immunity.

6. Immunostimulatory Compounds

• Beta-Glucans: Found in yeast and fungi, these compounds can activate immune cells and enhance the overall immune response.

7. Postbiotics

• Metabolites Produced by Probiotics: Such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that can enhance immune function and gut health.

8. Microbial Fermentation Products

• Lactic Acid Bacteria Ferments: These can produce beneficial metabolites that support immune health and reduce inflammation.

Importance of Microbial Immunomodulators: Here are some key points outlining their potential benefits:

• Stress mitigation by managing heat stress: Rising temperatures due to climate change often results in heat stress in cattle. Microbial immunomodulators can help cattle better cope with heat stress by enhancing their immune responses and reducing inflammation, which can lead to improved feed intake and overall productivity.
• Boosting disease resistance by strengthening immunity: Cattle are more susceptible to diseases during environmental stress. Immunomodulators can boost the immune system, making animals more resilient to infections and reducing the incidence of diseases, which in turn supports productivity.
• Improving feed efficiency by optimizing nutrient utilization: By enhancing immune function, immunomodulators can improve nutrient absorption and utilization, leading to better weight gain and feed conversion ratios, which are crucial for productivity.
• Enhancing reproductive performance through fertility enhancement: Environmental stress can adversely affect reproductive performance. Microbiological immunomodulators may improve reproductive health by boosting immune responses, potentially leading to higher conception rates and healthier calves.
• Facilitating adaptation to environmental changes by building genetic resilience: Some microbiological immunomodulators can be integrated into breeding programs to develop cattle that are more resilient to environmental changes, ensuring long-term productivity even in fluctuating climates.
• Judicious use of antibiotics by promoting sustainable practices: By enhancing natural immunity, microbiological immunomodulators can reduce the need of antibiotics, promoting healthier livestock and minimizing the risk of antibiotic resistance, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices.
• Economic advantages: Increased productivity and reduced disease incidence can lead to significant economic benefits for farmers, allowing them to maintain profitability even as climate challenges arise.

Applications of microbiological immunomodulators in increasing milk production in livestock- Microbiological immunomodulators can significantly enhance milk production in bovines through various applications. Here are some key ways they contribute:

1. Probiotic improve gut health: Beneficial bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium improve gut flora, enhancing nutrient absorption and overall health, leading to increase milk yield.
   1. Enhancing immune function by release of immunostimulatory compounds: Compounds like beta-glucans boost the immune response to prevent infections that can negatively impact milk production.Optimizing feed efficiency: Yeast like Saccharomyces cerevisiae can improve fiber digestion, enhancing nutrient availability and overall feed efficiency, which translates into higher milk production.Supporting reproductive health by balancing microbiome: A healthy gut microbiome can lead to improved reproductive performance, ensuring that cows have more successful gestation and optimal lactation periods.Enhancing lactation performance through fermented feed additives: These can lead to higher levels of beneficial metabolites that enhance lactation performance, resulting in increased milk yield.
   1. Increasing milk quality: By improving the overall health and metabolism of the cow, microbiological immunomodulators can enhance the nutritional quality of milk, including fat and protein content.

Conclusion & Future perspectives

The application of microbiological immunomodulators in bovine management can lead to considerable increase in milk production by improving gut health, enhancing immune function, reducing stress, and optimizing overall productivity. These factors contribute to healthier cows and higher milk yields, making these products valuable in modern dairy farming. Incorporating microbiological immunomodulators into cattle management strategies can significantly enhance productivity by improving health, resilience, and efficiency, making them an essential tool for adapting to the challenges of climate change.

The future perspectives of microbiological immunomodulators in livestock production are promising. Here are some key trends and potential developments:

1. Enhanced Research and Development

• Genomic insights: Advances in genomics will allow for the identification of specific strains of probiotics and prebiotics that are most effective for different cattle breeds and conditions.
• Targeted formulations: Development of tailored formulations that can address specific health challenges or production goals in livestock.

2. Integration with precision agriculture

• Data-driven approaches: Utilizing data analytics and IoT (Internet of Things) technology to monitor animal health through sensors and digital devices and optimize the use of immunomodulators based on individual needs.
• Personalized nutrition: Customized feeding strategies that incorporate microbiological immunomodulators to enhance overall cattle performance.

3. Sustainable Practices for environmental benefits

• Reducing antibiotic Use: Continued emphasis on immunomodulators as alternatives to antibiotics, promoting animal welfare and addressing public health concerns regarding antibiotic resistance. Using immunomodulators to improve feed efficiency can reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with livestock production.

4. Applications in Diverse livestock and aquaculture:

Expansion of research into the use of microbiological immunomodulators across various livestock species beyond cattle, including sheep, goats, and poultry. Exploring the potential of immunomodulators in fish farming to enhance health and growth rates.

5. Consumer demand

• Healthier Products: Growing consumer interest in sustainably produced and antibiotic-free meat and dairy products may drive demand for microbiological immunomodulators.
• Traceability and Transparency: Development of protocols to track the use and efficacy of immunomodulators in livestock production, appealing to health-conscious consumers.

6. Regulatory developments

• Evolving regulations: As the science evolves, there should be changes in regulations governing the use of immunomodulators in animal agriculture, potentially leading to more widespread acceptance and use.

7. Collaborative Efforts

• Partnerships between academia and industry: Increased collaboration between researchers, industry stakeholders, and farmers to drive innovation and adoption of effective immunomodulator applications.

The future of microbiological immunomodulators in livestock production is set to evolve with advances in science and technology, shifting towards more sustainable and health-focused practices. These developments can enhance animal welfare, improve productivity, and meet the growing demands of consumers for safe and sustainably produced food.