Probiotics have become one of the most debated “must-haves” in poultry nutrition, and the 2026 International Production & Processing Expo (IPPE) reminded us why: The industry still can’t agree whether they are essential tools for gut health or simply expensive security blankets.
Let’s start with the pro-probiotic argument. The starter phase is the most logical place to use them. Newly placed chicks have an immature digestive system and a gut microbiome that is still developing. Add to that vaccination stress, environmental exposure, dietary transitions, and the general chaos of early life, and it is easy to see why some nutritionists favor probiotics as a stabilizer. In many operations, probiotics are included only in the first phase for this reason: support early intestinal function, reduce setbacks, then move on once the bird is established.
