Bacteriophages – Potential Alternative for Sustainable Poultry Production

Bacteriophages, or phages, are naturally occurring viruses that specifically infect and destroy bacteria. Their remarkable ability to target only harmful bacterial species while sparing beneficial microorganisms has made them one of the most promising alternatives to antibiotics in recent years. Widely distributed in nature, bacteriophages possess unique biological characteristics, including host specificity and the ability to replicate within bacterial cells through lytic or lysogenic life cycles. They also produce enzymes such as endolysins that contribute to the destruction of bacterial cell walls. With the increasing global concern over antimicrobial resistance, bacteriophages have gained considerable attention for their potential applications in animal agriculture, particularly poultry production. Their role in reducing pathogenic bacteria, improving gut microbial balance, and supporting sustainable disease management highlights their importance as an innovative biological tool. Continued research and application of bacteriophages may contribute to healthier poultry flocks while reducing dependence on conventional antibiotics.