In animals, the gastrointestinal tract is essential for digestion, nutrient utilization, and immune function. Any disruption in its function can lead to metabolic challenges that negatively influence health and productivity. In animal production, barley is frequently utilized as a feed component for ruminants, poultry, and aquaculture. Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is a valuable cereal grain consumed globally, rich in functional ingredients, especially fiber, beta glucan, flavonoids and phenolic acids and can significantly reduce gastrointestinal (GI) dysfunction and reduce inflammation by reducing oxidative stress across gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Different varieties of barley and its form used in studies are highland barley (HB), black barley, fermented also extract and roasted barley, fermented barley bran, barley leaf, low molecular weight barley and fiber bound polyphenols from HB. β-glucan is a soluble dietary fiber which produce prebiotics effects, it increases intestinal bacteria which produce short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in return promote gut health. Barley is an excellent substrate for the production of grain-derived probiotics and prebiotics. It also improves gut bacteria profile, intestinal fermentability, regulates intestinal microbiome, and has gastroprotective, prebiotic, and probiotic effects. This review aims to summarize all studies conducted in the previous five years on the preventive effect of barley on the GIT. These studies have shown inclusion of barley in the diet promotes GI health and reduces various diseases linked.

To Cite This Article: Khawar U, Zahid S, Gulzar R, Al-Nouri DM, Ahmed IAM, Mobashar M and Aadil RM, 2025. Barley’s prebiotic potential: role in gut health and microbiome modulation. Pak Vet J, 45(4): 1477-1490. http://dx.doi.org/10.29261/pakvetj/2025.328