Bacteriophage as a Novel Feed Additive in Poultry: A Comprehensive Review

The global restriction of antibiotic use in poultry production has driven the search for effective alternatives. Bacteriophages, viruses that specifically infect bacteria, are gaining attention as promising feed additives due to their safety, specificity and antimicrobial efficacy. This review outlines the biological characteristics of bacteriophages, their applications in poultry for therapy, food safety, disinfection and performance enhancement. It also discusses current research findings, potential commercial products and challenges related to phage resistance and gut microbiota interaction. Bacteriophages show promise as alternatives to antibiotics, but further research on stability, dosage and resistance mechanisms is essential for widespread use.