Evaluation of the Antibacterial and Prebiotic Potential of Ascophyllum nodosum and Its Extracts Using Selected Bacterial Members of the Pig Gastrointestinal Microbiota

This research evaluates the antibacterial and prebiotic potential of Ascophyllum nodosum and its extracts using in vitro models of the pig gut microbiota. The study shows that bioactivity varies depending on harvest season and extraction method. Certain extracts demonstrated strong antibacterial effects against pathogens such as Salmonella and enterotoxigenic E. coli, while others promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria like Bifidobacterium. These results highlight the importance of processing techniques in maximizing the functional benefits of seaweed and suggest that targeted extracts could be used to modulate gut health in livestock.