Final answer:
Probiotics are introduced to baby chicks to prevent colonization by harmful bacteria such as Clostridium difficile. They support the gut's natural microbiome in competitive exclusion of pathogens. The Gram-positive bacteria in the gut are typically considered probiotic and beneficial for health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Probiotics have been used in baby chicks to prevent colonization by harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile. This bacterium can overgrow and cause severe gastrointestinal problems when the natural balance of the gut microbiome is disturbed, commonly after the use of antibiotics. Probiotics support the indigenous intestinal microbiome, which provides a line of resistance to colonization by exogenous microbes. The use of probiotics in livestock and by humans helps in maintaining a balanced gut microbiota, which in turn assists in the competitive exclusion of pathogens, preventing diseases such as antibiotic-associated diarrhea and potentially more serious conditions.
Oxygen Growth Requirement Category differentiates among bacterial species within the GI tract, where typically, the Gram-positive species are regarded as probiotic and health-promoting; whereas certain Gram-negative species may induce inflammation if unchecked. Moreover, infants and chicks alike develop their microbiomes starting at birth, a critical process influencing their health throughout life. The administration of probiotics can restore and support healthy microbial communities, crucial not only to gut health but also to overall well-being.