Role of Effective Microorganisms (EM) in Livestock Nutrition and Performance: A Review

The use of effective microorganisms (EM), is a sustainable solution for addressing nutrient deficiencies and improving feed quality in all four major livestock species (dairy and beef cattle, sheep, goats and swine), as it promises to enhance animal production, by the improving nutrient digestibility, feed conversion efficiency, overall animal health and environmental sustainability in a profitable way. This review synthesized the findings from accepted peer-reviewed academic journal articles written only in English. The findings revealed the positive effect of EM on gut health, nutrient digestibility, feed conversion efficiency, production performances, product quality and the environmental effects of the livestock industry. Despite these positive effects, multifunctional action with combined alternative feedstuff stains, mechanisms of action, influence on reproductive performances and impact on newborn offspring, major knowledge gaps were identified. Addressing these gaps, through well-developed studies, especially species-specific responses and the long-term effects of EM on livestock will be vital for improving EM use in the livestock production sector.