The potential of innovative feed solutions for boosting gut microbiome health of animals remains underexplored, despite mounting scientific evidence indicating that it underpins both animal health and welfare, stakeholders have highlighted. Pointing to the fact that the intestinal tissue harbours 60-70% of animals’ immune systems, Daniela Battaglia, livestock production officer at the UN’s food and agriculture organisation (FAO), stressed that adequate animal nutrition has a huge impact on allowing the gut microbiome to function as a barrier against the invading pathogens. “We have also to keep in mind that gut health is much more than a healthy gut,” she said during a recent EURACTIV event, pointing out its role in contributing to the overall physiological and behavioural needs of animals.