Next-Generation Probiotics and Postbiotics in Animal Health: From Mechanisms to Applications

Dear Colleagues,

Next-generation probiotics (NGPs) are host-adapted or novel microbial strains identified through advanced microbiome and omics technologies, developed to deliver more targeted and consistent benefits compared with conventional probiotics. Postbiotics, as defined by the ISAPP, are preparations of inanimate microorganisms and/or their components that confer health benefits to the host, offering key advantages in stability, safety, and regulatory acceptance. Together, NGPs and postbiotics represent innovative approaches to improve gut health, productivity, and welfare in diverse animal species, including livestock, aquaculture, and companion animals, while reducing reliance on antibiotics. Despite these opportunities, significant challenges remain, such as mechanistic validation, scalable formulation technologies, and harmonized regulatory frameworks across regions.

This Special Issue, ‘Next-Generation Probiotics and Postbiotics in Animal Health: From Mechanisms to Applications’, aims to bridge fundamental insights with practical applications. We welcome contributions on host–microbe and microbe–microbe interactions, immune modulation, metabolic regulation, and omics-driven approaches. Studies on field validation, industrial application, safety assessment, and regulatory perspectives are especially encouraged, as they will provide valuable knowledge to support the sustainable integration of these innovations in animal health.

Prof. Dr. Ming-Ju Chen
Guest Editor

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