Prebiotics are non-digestible carbohydrates and non-absorbable in the upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT). They stimulate the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora such as Bifidobacterium sp. and Lactobacillus sp. These bacteria consequently increase the production of lactic acid and acetic acid, thereby decreasing the development of enterobacteria.
In addition, the β-glucans and mannanoligosaccharides present in prebiotics attach to the bacteria carrying type I fimbriae, such as Salmonella sp. and Escherichia coli, agglutinating them and allowing their elimination through feces. The increase in the ratio between beneficial bacteria and pathogens improves performance parameters, including for instance feed conversion.