Microbiome and Gastrointestinal Health

Chapter 22 Microbiome and Gastrointestinal Health Fasih Yousaf1*, Muhammad Abdullah1, Muhammad Adil1, Taha Razzaq1, Khadija Tariq1, Amna Yousaf2, Khurram Ashfaq3 1Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. 2Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Medical and Dental College, Pakistan. 3Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan. *Corresponding author: fasih3636@gmail.com Abstract: The gut microbiome, or gastrointestinal microbiota is very essential regarding animal health. It is a kind of community or ecosystem that involves animal's immunity, nutrient absorption, digestion, physiology and behavior. This chapter includes gastrointestinal microbiota of veterinary importance. This chapter outlines their ecological functions, makeup and clinical implications in different animals. They also play fundamental role in intestinal epithelium regeneration, homeostasis and immunity. This chapter provides an overview of common disorders linked to microbiome imbalance, therapeutic approaches and treatment options including probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbial transplantation. If we have proper information regarding microbiome complexity and its composition, then we can modify our abilities in diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. This knowledge is important in promoting gut health. Keywords: microbiota, gut health, probiotics, metagenomics, dysbiosis, veterinary medicine, intestinal flora