Over-use or misuse of antibiotics in livestock and poultry production contributes to the rising threat of antibiotic resistance in animals and has negative ecological effects. Exopolysaccharides from lactic acid bacteria (LAB-EPS) are a class of biological macromolecules which are secreted by lactic acid bacteria to the outside of the cell wall during their growth and metabolism. Numerous studies demonstrated that LAB-EPS have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities and are able to regulate intestinal health and the immune system in livestock. They are biodegradable, nontoxic and bio-compatible, which are considered as ideal alternatives to antibiotics. This review aims to discuss and summarize recent research findings of LAB-EPS on regulation of intestinal health and the immune system in animals, and thus provide scientific justification for commercial applications of LAB-EPS in livestock.

在畜禽生产中过度使用或滥用抗生素会加剧动物对抗生素耐药性的威胁，并对生态产生负面影响。乳酸菌胞外多糖（LAB-EPS）是乳酸菌在生长代谢过程中分泌到细胞壁外的一类生物大分子物质。大量研究表明，LAB-EPS 具有抗炎和抗菌活性，能够调节家畜的肠道健康和免疫系统。它们可生物降解、无毒且具有生物相容性，被认为是抗生素的理想替代品。本综述旨在讨论和总结 LAB-EPS 在调节动物肠道健康和免疫系统方面的最新研究成果，