This study aimed to review recent developments in the agri-food industry, focusing on the integration of innovative digital systems into the livestock industry. Over the last 50 years, the production of animal-based foods has increased significantly due to the rising demand for meat. As a result, farms have increased their livestock numbers to meet consumer demand, which has exacerbated challenges related to environmental sustainability, human health, and animal welfare. In response to these challenges, precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies have emerged as a promising solution for sustainable livestock production. PLF technologies offer farmers the opportunity to increase efficiency while mitigating environmental impact, securing livelihoods, and promoting animal health and welfare. However, the adoption of PLF technologies poses several challenges for farmers and raises animal welfare concerns. Additionally, the existing legal framework for the use of PLF technologies is discussed. In summary, further research is needed to advance the scientific understanding of PLF technologies, and stakeholders, including researchers, policymakers, and funders, need to prioritize ethical considerations related to their implementation.

Aims This study evaluated the efficacy of a probiotic containing Bacillus toyonensis spores (Toyocerin^®) in postweaning piglets against enteric pathogens. Methods and Results Seven hundred and ninety‐two healthy weaning pigs of a commercial farrow‐to‐finish pig farm were used. The negative control group fed without Toyocerin^® and two experimental groups fed similar to the negative control group, but supplemented with Toyocerin^® at t 500 mg kg⁻¹ diet (Toyocerin 500 group) and 1000 mg kg⁻¹ diet (Toyocerin 1000 group), respectively. No significant difference (P > 0·05) in morbidity and mortality rate between groups was noticed. The Toyocerin groups showed higher body weight (P < 0·05) and lower feed conversion ratio compared to the negative control group. Diarrhoea score was less in both Toyocerin groups than negative control group (P < 0·05). Moreover, the use of Toyocerin^® at 1000 mg kg⁻¹ diet resulted in higher average daily feed intake compared to other groups (P < 0·05), reduction of some enteric pathogens and increase of the number of lactic acid bacteria. Conclusions The use of Toyocerin^® in weaning pigs, especially at 1000 mg kg⁻¹ diet, improved their health and growth performance. Significance and Impact of the Study This study shows that a feed additive containing B. toyonensis (Toyocerin^®) protects against enteric pathogens in postweaning piglets when fed this additive at a proper dose. The use of Toyocerin^® at 1000 mg kg⁻¹ diet resulted in higher average daily feed intake, decrease of some enteric pathogens and higher number of lactic acid bacteria. The effect of the probiotic in other age groups remains to be established.

Nowadays, there is an increasing concern for the public health about the consequences from the long and increased use of antibiotics in livestock production. The use of antibiotics in animal feed as growth promoters has been completely banned by the European Union since 2006, based on their possible negative effects on human and animal health. The removal of growth promoters has led to animal performance problems and a rise in the incidence of certain animal diseases. Thus, there is an urgent need to find alternatives to antibiotics, especially in EU. Due to the modern consumers' concern about the potential development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria as well as at the same time the need to prevent economic losses of the farmers, alternatives to antibiotics has been developed to prevent the health problems and to improve the growth performance in farm animals. Owing to the full ban of antibiotic use in EU there is an urgent need to find alternatives to in-feed antibiotics. New strategies and commercial products must be developed to improve animal health and performance, based on their safety, efficacy and cost-effectiveness. The aim of this study is to summarize the beneficial effects of currently used alternatives to in-feed antibiotics, i.e. probiotics, prebiotics, organic acids, phytogenic compounds and zeolites on health and growth performance in farm animals (swine, poultry and ruminants).

The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of a probiotic containing Bacillus cereus var. Toyoi spores (Toyocerin) and benzoic acid (VevoVitall) on growth performance and diarrhoea in weaning pigs, against negative controls. The trial groups were as follows: (a) NC group (Negative Controls): No treatment (b) TOYO group: Same feed as in the controls plus Toyocerin at a dose of 1 x 10(9) Bacillus cereus var. Toyoi spores/kg feed, (c) BA group: Same feed as in the controls plus VevoVitall at a dose of 5 g/kg feed (5000 ppm benzoic acid) and (d) TOYO+BA group: Same feed as in the controls plus Toyocerin at a dose of 1 x 10(9) Bacillus cereus var. Toyoi spores and VevoVitall at a dose of 5 g/kg feed. In conclusion, the results of this study indicated that administration of Bacillus cereus var. Toyoi spores at 1 x 10(9)/kg feed or benzoic acid at a dose of 5000 ppm or the combination of 1 x 10(9) Bacillus cereus var. Toyoi spores and 5000 ppm of benzoic acid/kg feed, improved the growth performance parameters and reduced the severity of diarrhoea in weaning pigs.